Former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra has spoken with one MMA and UFC legend ahead of making his surprise debut in combat sports.
Patrice Evra will now step foot in the octagon as part of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for an MMA event that will be held in Paris in May.
The 43-year-old Manchester United legend confirmed the news on his Instagram last Saturday and Evra will be fighting at the Accor Arena on 23rd May.
According to the PFL’s official website, Evra has linked up with his friend and PFL star Cedric Doumbe for his MMA training camp for the PFL Europe Paris event.
The PFL added that the former United player’s training camp is “underway” and an opponent for Evra on his MMA debut has not been revealed at the time of writing.
What did UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov say to Patrice Evra ahead of Man Utd legend’s MMA debut?
The PFL shared a video on Instagram of Patrice Evra speaking with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov amid the Manchester United legend’s training camp.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the best MMA fighters of all time and the man known as the ‘Eagle’ retired with an undefeated MMA record.
The 36-year-old Russian held the UFC lightweight championship during his time in the UFC and notched up a superb pro record of 29 wins in his whole MMA career.
Khabib vacated his UFC lightweight title after his final MMA fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in 2020, with the MMA icon subsequently retiring.
Speaking to Evra on the phone, the UFC Hall of Famer said: “Brother, you don’t need this! Why do you have to train? If you need to fight, I’m going to fight for you!”
Responding with laughter to Khabib’s message, Evra added: “Thank you for having my back, brother! But I need to train, bro. I need to take it seriously.
“You know how much respect I have for you and for the sport. So, that’s why I really need to have a training session with you.”
Khabib, who became an MMA coach after his prolific fighting career ended, then teased the ex-Manchester United left-back with his “send me location” message.
“Brother, I told you many times, send me location! I’m going to find you,” he said.
“Send me location. Tell me, where are you?”
Evra responded to Khabib: “I’m scared to send you my location, brother! No, I’m here in Dubai. We’re at the gym.
“I know you have a little issue, but when you fix it, please, brother, I need to have some training.”
What was Patrice Evra’s question to Khabib Nurmagomedov during the exchange between the ex-Man Utd star and UFC Hall of Famer?
Khabib Nurmagomedov teased Evra and told him that he would teach him how to “smash people,” with the ‘smash’ remark another thing associated with the ‘Eagle.’
“When I see you, you have to be ready. I’m going to teach you how to smash people,” he said.
Responding to Khabib’s playful comments, Evra asked him: “Can I ask you a question?
“I know you love me, but at the same time, I feel like you want to kill me and destroy me!”
Khabib then replied: “No, no. I just want you to improve yourself. Nothing else. It’s very good to see you, brother. See you soon.”
Evra enjoyed a prolific playing spell at Old Trafford and the United legend lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League and three League Cups at the club.
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