The world of combat sports has grown exponentially in recent years, with many new disciplines being created. From traditional martial arts like Karate and Tae Kwon Do, to full-contact sports like MMA and kickboxing, there are now plenty of different ways to get an adrenaline rush in the ring. But which sports are the most brutal? To answer this question, we have compiled a list of the ten most brutal modern fighting sports. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
10- Bare Knuckle Boxing
Bare knuckle boxing is one of the oldest and most brutal fighting sports. As it involves two opponents engaging in a physical confrontation with no gloves or other protective gear. This type of boxing pits two competitors against each other. It is an intense, one-on-one slugfest with no rules and no holds barred. In such a match, the combatants can only rely on their own strength, speed, and skill to defeat their opponent. The fights can be short or last for several rounds, with the outcome often determined by the first fighter to land a knockout punch. Despite its intensity and potential for serious injury, bare-knuckle boxing remains a popular sport.
9- Medieval MMA
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Medieval MMA is one of the most brutal fighting sports. It combines elements of wrestling, striking, and submission grappling, making it an intense and demanding martial art. Participants wear protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and shin guards, and the fights are in a ring or cage. The goal is to either knock out your opponent or force them to submit. This form of MMA is a full-contact sport with no restrictions on strikes, throws, submissions, or takedowns. It is a highly technical and strategic combat sport, which requires a great deal of physical and mental conditioning. It is both entertaining and challenging, and it can provide an adrenaline rush for both the fighters and the spectators.
8- Silat
Silat is a Southeast Asian martial art that combines striking, grappling, and weapons technique.. The players are able to deliver devastating blows and grapple opponents with great speed and efficiency. Silat emphasizes on the use of energy, momentum, and technique to gain an edge over opponents. This makes it one of the most physically and mentally demanding fighting sports in existence. Practitioners of Silat strike with lightning-fast speed and take opponents down with powerful grappling techniques. With its emphasis on extreme physical conditioning, Silat is a sport that requires immense amounts of strength, stamina, and agility to master.
7- Sambo
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Sambo is an extremely intense and challenging martial art, which combines techniques from Judo, Wrestling, and traditional Russian martial arts. It has swift aggressive moves and involves a variety of throws, leg-locks, and joint-locks. Sambo also includes striking techniques, including punches, kicks, and elbows, as well as submissions such as chokeholds and armlocks. Competitors wear protective gear during matches, and the goal is to score points by taking down the opponent, or by submitting them. It is a fast-paced, full-contact sport, and is one of the most brutal fighting sports.
6- MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an intense combat sport that combines striking and grappling techniques from a variety of martial arts disciplines. It is one of the most demanding and physically challenging sports. Fighters are required to be proficient in a wide range of martial arts styles. MMA is an ever-evolving combat sport, with different rules, regulations, and techniques changing as the sport continues to develop. Fighters are expected to stay well-rounded and prepared for any situation that may arise in the ring. With its high intensity and exciting action, MMA is one of the most popular and thrilling combat sports in the world.
5- Muay Thai
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Muay Thai is one of the most intense and brutal fighting sports. It combines stand-up striking with various clinching techniques, allowing fighters to use their hands, feet, elbows and knees to deliver powerful blows. Practitioners must be in peak physical condition to compete in the sport, as it requires strength, speed, agility and endurance. It is a full-body workout that puts both the mind and body to the test, making it an incredibly rewarding discipline. Not only is Muay Thai an incredible martial art, it also has a rich history and culture that has made it a beloved sport around the world.
4- Escrima
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Escrima is a fast-paced and intense martial art that originated in the Philippines. It is a form of martial arts that focuses on the use of weapons, including sticks, swords, and daggers. It is an incredibly physical and tactical form of combat that requires immense skill and precision. Its techniques can incapacitate an opponent quickly. It is a full-body workout that combines physical strength, agility, and mental focus. It is a great way to stay fit and improve self-defense skills while having fun. Escrima is an art that requires dedication and discipline, as mastering its techniques and form can take years of practice.
3- Calcio Strocio
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Calcio Storico is an intense, full-contact sport that originated in Florence, Italy in the 16th century. It combines elements of rugby, football and wrestling, and is one of the world’s most brutal fighting sports. The game is played on a rectangular sand pitch, usually in the Piazza Santa Croce, and is split into two halves. Two teams of 27 players each compete for the ball, and the objective is to score a goal by getting the ball over the opponent’s goal line. Players can use any means necessary to gain possession of the ball, including tackling and holding, as long as it does not involve punching, kicking or other violent behavior. The game is traditionally accompanied by a brass band and a great deal of passionate cheering from the crowd, making it an exciting spectacle to watch.
2- Brazilian Jiu Jutsu
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Brazilian Jiu Jutsu is one of the most brutal fighting sports in the world. It is a form of martial arts that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It uses techniques such as joint locks and chokes to force an opponent to submit. Unlike many other forms of martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jutsu is an art that allows a smaller person to successfully defend themselves against a larger and stronger opponent.
The origins of Brazilian Jiu Jutsu can be traced back to Japan, where it was developed by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It was later brought to Brazil by the Gracie family, who developed the sport into the style we know today.
1- Lethwei
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Lethwei is a truly unique martial art and one of the most brutal fighting sports in the world. It is an ancient form of bare-knuckle boxing from Myanmar (formerly Burma) that has been practiced for centuries. Unlike other martial arts, Lethwei allows for a wide range of techniques, including punches, elbow strikes, kicks, knees, headbutts, and even throws. What sets Lethwei apart from other combat sports, however, is its no-holds-barred approach, allowing fighters to use whatever techniques they see fit in order to win a match.
Lethwei is a highly competitive sport, with matches taking place in open-air arenas across Myanmar. This means that a fighter must rely on their own skills and endurance to survive a match, as well as their ability to read their opponent’s moves.
