Former WWE champ 'Batista' books pro MMA debut against Rashid Evans for Oct. 6

[Kickass32]

Former WWE champ 'Batista' books pro MMA debut against Rashid Evans for Oct. 6 in Providence


by Jesse Holland on Jul 13, 2012 9:34 AM EDT




"Sorry haters!"

That was the short and sweet tweet from former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Champion Dave Bautista, known as "Batista" inside the squared circle, as he recently booked his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut for Oct. 6, 2012 in Providence, Rhode Island.
That's where the 43-year-old bruiser will face off against Newburgh's Rashid Evans, who also makes his professional fighting debut. "Smash" is 1-2 in amateur competition, having last competed at the Holiday Inn in Foxboro.
From TMZ:

The 43-year-old powerhouse signed with the CES MMA league -- and is all set up to fight on October 6 at the Duncan Doughnuts Theater in Providence, Rhode Island. We're told Batista -- 6'6" and 290 lbs -- will square up against some dude named Rashid Evans ... not to be confused with UFC hurt-maker Rashad Evans. Sources connected to the deal tell us ... the fight WILL be televised ... but it's unclear which provider will broadcast the fight.

Bautista is the owner of the Gracie Fighter Gym in Tampa, Florida, and has trained in combat sports over the past several years. Now, it's finally time to see if he can put his money where his mouth is.
Who's interested?

http://www.mmamania.com/

[BluenoseGreig]

At 43 he is never going to be anything more than a freakshow. I sense fights in the future with Bob Sapp, Bobby Lashley and Wes Sims!!!

[Kickass32]

I can almost gurantee we will see a Batista vs. Bobby Lashley fight smetime within the next 12 months.....I would actually watch that...probably be boring as hell, but I'd still watch.

[Rich Davie]

How the fuck does this guy get a fight in the UFC with Rashad Evans never having had an MMA fight previously !?

I hate this sort of circus act bullshit.

[Kickass32]

LOL.....David Batista and MMA in the same breath, what else would you expect other than a circus....

[BluenoseGreig]

I can almost gurantee we will see a Batista vs. Bobby Lashley fight smetime within the next 12 months.....I would actually watch that...probably be boring as hell, but I'd still watch.

I'd probably watch it too! It would be 2 guys throwing huge punches and missing then gassing and hugging on the mat till the end!

[Kickass32]

I'd probably watch it too! It would be 2 guys throwing huge punches and missing then gassing and hugging on the mat till the end!

Exactly!!

[Dirty Daley]

I am on the other side , i love mma for competition , top guy's fighting for the belt and best guy's going at it but you cant beat a good freak show fight. I will look forward to seeing it! I dont see him doing a lashley or lesnar but if he fights guys with 1-2 record then it's going to be a good competative fight.

[Washed Up]

The only GOOD thing about this fight will be watching Rashad beat the piss out of him and sending Baptista home broken!!!

[Drock]

Guys its not Rashad Evans its Rashid Evans he is 6-2 Heavy Weight