NCAA Champion Wrestler Bubba Jenkins Set For MMA Debut At Tachi Palace Fights 11

Count Bubba Jenkins (0-0) as the next NCAA standout to throw his hat into the world of mixed martial arts. Announced Monday, the 2011 collegiate champion is slated to make his professional debut at Tachi Palace Fights 11 against fellow newcomer Chris Huerta (0-0). The news was first reported by ULTMMA.com and confirmed by promotion officials.

Jenkins rose to prominence on the heels of a stellar collegiate wrestling career, capped by a 21-3 senior season at Arizona State University that saw the 23-year-old defeat David Taylor to claim the 157-pound NCAA title. After his applauded run, Jenkins sat down with Senior Editor Luke Thomas for an interview on Washington D.C.'s "MMA Nation."

Following graduation, Jenkins joined American Top Team to train alongside UFC veterans Thiago Alves, Cole Miller, and Mike Brown. Now, after five months of preparation, the youngster is ready to make his mixed martial arts debut on December 2nd in the lightweight division, although several have noted that a drop to featherweight could be forthcoming. His opponent, Huerta, is a California native with numerous amateur appearances, though the bout marks his professional debut.