Batista to make MMA Debut this March

MANILA, Philippines — Looks like “The Animal” has grown tired of fake slams and scripted antics in the pro wrestling world and is now bound to follow the footsteps of fellow World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar towards an action-packed career in the octagon.

The 41-year-old wide-bodied Dave Bautista, whose father David is a Filipino, is reportedly in talks with mixed martial arts (MMA) promoter Strikeforce for his much anticipated MMA debut.

"We're real close. We actually agreed on a number last week and we're sorting stuff out," Bautista told DC 101 in a Monday morning radio interview, as quoted by MMAFighting.com. "We should have a deal real soon. Hopefully I'll be fighting in March."

The Filipino-Greek star seemingly had a falling out with the WWE, and thus decided to pursue an MMA career, where his former colleagues Lashley and Lesnar are now thriving, with the latter now being named the reigning UFC heavyweight champion.

“The grind of professional wrestling... nothing is more brutal, Bautista said. “I told my mom I wanted to get into fighting. She was scared to death. I said, 'Mom, the last few years I was an inch away from breaking my neck every night and now you're worried about me being punched in the face?"

Bautista, who is said to be training with Jake Shield and the Diaz borthers earlier this year, revealed that he has underwent rigorous training sessions on Filipino martial arts Kali, Muay Thai, and grappling.

Will Cooling of Inside Fights breaks down what lies ahead for Bautista’s future MMA career:

"Unlike Brock Lesnar or even Bobby Lashley, Bautista has no amateur wrestling experience having been a club bouncer and bodybuilder before being signed by Vince McMahon and company. He also has a history of injuries, having been out of action at various times due to problems with his triceps, biceps, and hamstring.

For these reasons there had been significant skepticism about the seriousness of Bautista’s commitment to a future mixed martial arts career, despite the former pro-wrestler and aspiring actor showing genuine enthusiasm for the sport and dedicated when training at the Cesar Gracie camp."

Reports have it that Strikeforce is eyeing to hold a fight pitting Lashley and Bautista, supposedly as the latter’s MMA debut fight.