When reports first broke that Batista was considering a mixed martial arts debut with Strikeforce, many doubted that the former WWE Champion was ever realistically planning to step into a cage fight. Sources, however, persistently said the debut was going to happen, with fellow WWE wrestler-turned-fighter Bobby Lashley being eyed as an ideal first opponent. The persistence, combined with photos of Batista training with Team Cesar Gracie, kept the discussion alive.
But if a quote attributed to Batista from earlier this week proves true, one can officially table the rumors of “Big Dave” entering the world of mixed martial arts, at least in the near term.
Joint reporting from MMA Supremacy and Bloody Elbow reveals that Batista is no longer planning for an imminent cage debut and is instead looking towards future involvement with WWE.
“I will not be doing MMA/Strikeforce any time soon. So you can see me in the future of the WWE,” said Batista, according to the story.
The news, which comes in the wake of web stories about Batista’s high asking price, should not be surprising.