PAT ON HOLD
Patrice Evra’s MMA debut mysteriously scrapped after Man Utd legend called out Luis Suarez for fight
An official reason for the cancellation has yet to be revealed
PATRICE EVRA's shock mixed martial arts debut has been put on hold.
The former Manchester United and France defender revealed his shock transition into the sport late last month.
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Evra, 43, was set to make his debut on the Professional Fighters League's scheduled event in Paris on May 23.
But the show has been cancelled just over a fortnight before fight night.
A PFL statement read: "PFL Europe Paris on 23 May has been rescheduled and a new date will be announced soon.
"All fans who have purchased tickets will receive a full refund."
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The event was set to be headlined by a lightweight showdown between Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan.
The PFL faced multiple calls to axe the fight as Barnaoui is currently facing allegations of domestic violence and rape from his former partner, Joanne H.
Evra - who has dabbled in MMA since 2016 - was champing at the bit to get in the cage.
He said: "You guys should know by now, I love this game, too!
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"I’ve performed on the world’s biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me.
"I’ve been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they’ll also tell you I’m ready for this.
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"I’m going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle."
An opponent for the Champions League and Premier League winner hasn't been announced.
But he revealed his eagerness to settle the score with Liverpool icon Luis Suarez, who racially abused him during a 2011 match at Anfield, after announcing his shock move.
He said: "I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent.
"They asked who I wanna face. I said, 'Luis Suarez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.'"
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