Rapper DMX's new career as a martial arts fighter has already floundered - he's pulled out of his upcoming bout with actor Eric Martinez, according to reports.

The bad boy hip-hop star, who served jail time for drugs possession, animal cruelty and theft earlier this year, was set to step into the ring with Martinez in a celebrity Alabama Pride MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) event in December.

However, despite bragging he would use street fighting experience from his youth rather than train for the fight, AllHipHop.com reports the star has decided to back down.

According to the site, DMX canceled the bout over fears for his safety.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)