The relationship between Entertainment Wrestling and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts has a long history dating all the way back to Japan and Brazil’s early starts. Probably the best example of a Pro Wrestler turning into a Mixed Martial Artist would be Brock Lesnar who captured the UFC Heavyweight Belt during his career. In this video Dave Bautista ‘Batista’ fights Casa Grande Arizona MMA Pioneer Vince Lucero in Rhode Island Providence as a short notice replacement fighter. Batista and Lucero stand toe to toe until the WWE Wrestle Mania Star landed the heavy punch picking up the victory seconds before the first rounds ended.

Batista who was tag team partners with Ric Flair and John Cena has not returned to the cage following this single fight in 2012 and at the age of 47 it is unknown if the Gracie Tampa Fighter will return to competition.

Mixed Martial Arts fans will soon get the opportunity to see another Professional Entertainment Wrestler step into the cage, when C.M Punk steps into the octagon as Phil Brooks to make his professional debut at 37 years of age.

Do you think with the increase in popularity of the UFC we will see more professional entertainment wrestlers pursue fighting careers? If you remember watching Batista wrestle give this page a share!