Former WWE superstar Batista wins his MMA debut

At 43 years of age, it seemed like a bad idea for Dave Bautista to switch careers. After a tremendous professional wrestling career, the WWE superstar who used to wrestle under the name "Batista," decided he would pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). The Fil-Greek Bautista however went on to win his debut fight, stopping journeyman Vince Lucero via TKO, Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) at CES 12: "Real Pain," held at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Admittedly however, Lucero (20 wins, 22 losses) was not in top shape, coming in at over 300 pounds. That said, he started the fight tremendously, landing a bunch of unanswered blows to Bautista’s head. Lucero also made good use of his weight by leaning on Bautista, trapping him on one of the sides of the cage. Feeling confident that he had Bautista where he wanted him, Lucero took the time to wave to the crowd while the two were grappling. However, it was Bautista who capitalized afterwards. The former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion took Lucero down and quickly gained side control. Bautista then went for a full mount while Lucero turned flat on his belly. Veteran MMA referee Dan Miragliotta called a halt to the bout after Bautista rained down punches on a defenseless Lucero. Bautista, who walked in the the Philippine and Greek flags waving behind him, did not have the start he wanted but he showed poise as he weathered his opponent’s early onslaught. “I think my nerves got the best of me a little bit,” said Bautista. “I want to fight again for sure. I wanted to get this first one out of the way I’m better than I showed tonight.” - AMD, GMA News