Batista wins MMA debut, says he wants to fight again: I'm better than I showed

For those hoping Batista would eventually be making a return to professional wrestling, it looks like those hopes may have been dashed after his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut last night (Sat., Oct. 6, 2012) in Providence, Rhode Island.

The artist formerly known as "The Animal" -- now known by his real name, Dave Bautista, or even "Brass Body" -- defeated Vince Lucero in the very first round of their heavyweight showdown, stopping the veteran journeyman via technical knockout.

That Batista, he sure does have some solid ground-n-pound. Watch the video here to see for yourself.

His stand-up left a lot to be desired, though, as he explained in the post-fight interview.

"I think my nerves got the best of me a little bit. He hits like a fucking horse. He rocked me. I just didn't have my legs under me coming out. I was just so nervous. It took me a little bit to get my composure because I was just rocked."

At 43-years-old and just now making his debut in professional MMA, it's certainly understandable that he would feel the pressure of the moment. Hell, his fight was drawing just as much as if not more attention than the Invicta card that was taking place at the same time.

As for what the future holds, it sounds like Batista's looking forward to climbing back inside the cage now that he's tasted the thrill of legitimate competition.

"I want to fight again, for sure. I think it was a matter of getting this first one out of the way. I was just so nervous, I had so many butterflies coming out, I think it got the best of me a little bit. I'm better than I showed tonight."

So much for a WWE return, not that it was going to happen anyway.

Now to find him a next fight against a guy who won't destroy him with his hands ...