Dave Batista - MMA debut

What was expected to be a star studded event with crowds gathered for a Dave Batista mma debut at CES MMA 12, turned into a sordid affair, once the opponents started spitting words at each other, post-match. 43 year old, former WWE superstar, Dave ‘Batista’ Bautista made his debut in Mixed Martial Arts during the CES 12 Event titled ‘Real Pain’ at the Dunkin’ Donuts Centre in Providence, R.I, against veteran fighter, Vince Lucero.

When compared to the debut of his fellow wrestling mate, Brock Lesnar, Batista’s debut was disappointing. Firstly the fighter chosen against him was a last minute fill in and although he has more than 40 professional fights under his belt, Vince Lucero is a man well past his prime and looks like the only exercise he’s getting is when he’s running towards his fridge. Secondly, the fight itself was pathetic, with Batista looking dazed and barely managing to withstand the punches landed by Lucero as he tired himself out on Batista. And lastly, the post-match war of words and body expressions did not help brighten the picture much.

As soon as the fight began Lucero exploded on Batista, trying to simply overpower the debutant with hard punches. Batista blocked, but some got through, landing squarely and dazed him a little. He was pushed to the cage as Lucero pounded him, aiming for both head and body. Batista managed a knee to Lucero’s midsection but for the most part, he was clinching and trying to keep Lucero close to him so there would not be another barrage of punches. Lucero went on to taunt the former WWE Star as he began dancing and waving at the crowds when in the clinch. Batista changed his attack and went for a takedown. Having put Lucero on the mat, he got side control and then rained huge punches down on the head of Vince Lucero. Lucero could not manage getting out of the situation and the referee stopped the bout for a first round TKO, once Lucero could no longer reply to the hits given by Batista.

Lucero complained of punches to the back of the head and the two men exchanged heated words and crude gestures after the fight. However, they again shook hands and gave respect to each other when the winner was announced. It was a disappointing event, with none of the fierceness of Batista, who appeared rather timid for a man of his size.