By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Depending on Bobby Lashley's future in MMA, a fight between former WWE wrestlers Bobby Lashley and Dave Bautista is likely to happen soon, according to Strikeforce officials.

Strikeforce has not signed Bautista to a contract, but the two sides have had recent dialogue about Bautista's potential debut fight in MMA.

Strikeforce wants to put together the "attraction fight" on an upcoming card. Lashley said in an interview earlier this week that he only wanted to give Bautista a short window of opportunity to fight him before he moves on to tougher competition.

That was before his loss to Chad Griggs on Saturday night, which Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said in the post-fight press conference could affect Lashley's future in MMA.

When asked during the press conference what the current status is on Lashley vs. Bautista, Coker replied, "That's going to be up to Bobby and let's see what Bobby wants to do."

If Lashley remains in MMA, and after the likely fight against Bautista, it will also be up to Lashley on whether he wants to become a serious heavyweight fighter by developing a more all-around game.

Lashley appeared one-dimensional during his loss against Chad Griggs, depending heavily on take downs as the main source of his offense. He also became worn out as the fight wore on and his energy-consuming blows weren't fazing Griggs.

Griggs noted during the post-fight press conference that he sensed Lashley was running out of steam and losing energy as they went deeper into the second round.

"Once he got cut, I could see it in his eyes that he didn't like it," Griggs said. "I don't think he's really been hit before and been tested. When he felt that, I felt the momentum. I felt like the fight was changing a little bit."

Strikeforce: Houston coverage
-- LIVE REPORT ON FIGHT CARD
-- NEWS REPORT: LASHLEY SUFFERS FIRST MMA LOSS
-- MMATORCH.COM'S STRIKEFORCE: HOUSTON COVERAGE

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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