Remembering Dave "Batista" Bautista's One And Only MMA Fight

Dave 'Batista' Bautista is known for many things. He is a six-time WWE world champion, a former bodybuilder and a successful Hollywood film star, but one thing "The Animal" will most likely want to forget is his short stint in MMA.

At the age of 43, he made his CES (Classic Entertainment and Sports) pro debut at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on October 6, 2012 against experienced fighter Vince Lucero, who held a respectable record of 20-22-1.

Many thought Bautista would stroll to victory but it was a nervy start to proceedings for the Virginia-born fighter. Dave struggled to make his mark on the fight as Lucero connected with a number of overhand rights in the early stages of round one.

"The Animal" eventually pulled through after taking his opponent to the mat, but it was a far from convincing performance from the former WWE star.

Bautista, who was being coached by former UFC light heavyweight star Stephan Bonnar, admitted he was "so nervous" before and during the fight against Lucero.

You can see the full fight below:

Bautista said the following in a post match interview with MMA Junkie.

"I think Stephan Bonnar is going to be a little disappointed." Batista said. "He called me, and the two things he said was, 'Keep your hands up and your chin down.' And I did neither of those things. I think I was so nervous. I was terrified walking out there.

"My head coach, Josh Rafferty, said, 'We're all so proud of you, you went through a two-month camp, you never bitched, you never complained, you showed up for every practice, you never asked for a practice off, you never asked for a round off, and you gave everything you have.'

"That meant more to me than getting my hand raised tonight."

When asked what he hopes to get out of a career in MMA, the 50-year-old was honest about his chances.

"Nothing. I do it because I love it. I have no ulterior motives. I think it's obvious after tonight that I won't be a world champion."

He would never compete in another pro MMA bout after that victory against Lucero, as the likes of Bleacher Report branded his bout an "embarrassment".

Thoughts on the fight? Do you think Bautista should have continued his MMA journey?

Let us know in the comments.

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Topics: UFC News, MMA News, UFC, Wrestling News, WWE News, Wrestling, WWE, MMA

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_