Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has extended an offer to train ex-Manchester United star Patrice Evra as the Frenchman prepares for his mixed martial arts debut next month.
Evra, 43, is set to make his first appearance in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) at their Paris event on May 23, trading his football cleats for MMA gloves in an unexpected career pivot.
In a lighthearted video call shared on Instagram, the undefeated Dagestani fighter reached out to Evra, who was training at his gym in Dubai.
“Brother, you don’t need this! Why do you have to train? If you need to fight, I’m going to fight for you!” Nurmagomedov joked during their conversation.
Evra, clearly amused but serious about his new endeavor, responded: “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.”
The exchange continued with Nurmagomedov’s famous catchphrase: “Brother I told you many times, send me location! I’m going to find you. Send me location. Tell me, where are you?”
Evra humorously expressed some apprehension: “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.”
Nurmagomedov, who retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record, assured Evra of his intentions to help: “When I see you, you have to be ready. I’m going to teach you how to smash people,” he said with his characteristic smile.
“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!” Evra responded with concern.
“No, no. I just want you to improve yourself. Nothing else. It’s very good to see you brother. See you soon,” Nurmagomedov reassured him.
While Evra’s opponent for the PFL event remains unconfirmed, the former Manchester United left-back has been actively preparing and even received a visit from fellow Frenchman Paul Pogba earlier this week.
Evra has made headlines by publicly stating his desire to compete against Luis Suarez, stemming from their controversial past incident during a Manchester United versus Liverpool match in 2011.
As the May 23 date approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Nurmagomedov’s training offer materializes and what impact the legendary fighter’s guidance might have on Evra’s MMA debut in the PFL’s Smart Cage.
