Sherdog.com recently conducted a ten question Q&A with former WWE Champion Dave "Batista" Bautista, during which he answered questions such as why he decided to do MMA, if he will continue to do MMA, what his training is like and more. Below are several interview excerpts, and you can check out more by clicking in the above link.
The question you have to be tired of answering by this point is, “Why are you doing MMA?” Anyone who has bothered to pay attention knows you have publicly stated you are a fan of the sport. I think people should now be more interested in how you developed that love of fighting. How did it grow to the point where you decided you wanted to try MMA?
It was weird. It was kind of a domino thing where one thing led to another. I started training Kali years and years ago, and then I started training standup and muay Thai for my conditioning for [my pro wrestling career]. And then I hooked up with Cesar Gracie and started really pursuing jiu-jitsu. But long before that, there was a spark, and I thought, ‘Here’s Bobby [Lashley] and Brock [Lesnar] competing. I’d really like to give it a shot.’
When you tried out for WCW back in the day, you were told you would never make it as a wrestler. Obviously, you proved that wrong by becoming one of the biggest stars in the WWE. Some fans have a similarly negative attitude toward your MMA debut. Is there any part of your competitive spirit that wants to prove them wrong, or is this pursuit purely for you?
I did “MMA Uncensored” with [Muhammed Lawal], and the first thing “King Mo” said to me when I asked him for advice was to not pay attention to the haters. This is the way I look at it: Even if I go in there and kill this guy Saturday, they’re going to say, “Well, he wasn’t much of an opponent,” or “It was all a work or a fix.” Negative people are always going to say negative things.
I’m just doing this because I love it and because I wanted that experience of going through a training camp and competing professionally before I’m too old to do it. I’m not doing it for any other reasons. I’m not looking to get rich or be a world champion or make a long term career out of it.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
