Medieval MMA with KNIGHTS in armour thrusting swords features brutal 'real-life Game of Thrones-like' battles
The idea is the brainchild of Russian MMA organisation M-1 Global - whose president said on Facebook he hopes to create contests with weight categories, champion titles and belts
By Anna Verdon
15:28, 12 FEB 2018
Game of Thrones has been brought to life in a bizarre contest where people dressed as knights in armour take to a boxing ring to duel with a sword and shield.
Medieval MMA is the brainchild of Russian MMA organisation M-1 Global.
It sees men dress up in their finest armour and battle it out in front of the crowds with their weapons.
The hobby has been around for a few years and is gaining a cult following online - with more than 20,000 people subscribing for the latest updates on Facebook.
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Medieval MMA sees men dress up in armour and sword fight in a boxing ring (Image: MOSCOW M-1)
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The Game of Thrones-style sport is the brainchild of Russian MMA organisation M-1 Global (Image: MOSCOW M-1)
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Medieval MMA has got a cult following online (Image: MOSCOW M-1)
But these duals are more than just two men battering each other for the crowd's enjoyment - as there are a full set of rules that players need to abide by.
Firstly, the fights are made up of three three-minute rounds in front of five judges.
A point is awarded for strikes to the armour with a sword while three points are awarded for a takedown.
Submission moves are not allowed.
Fights can also be ended early if one of the contestants is able to knock their opponent off their feet and strike them three times on the torso or helmet.
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Knights can do almost anything apart from stab and choke each other (Image: MOSCOW M-1)
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The organisers hope to eventually turn it into a standalone show (Image: MOSCOW M-1)
Fighters can use swords and axes in the games.
Writing on the M-1 Medieval knight fighting Facebook page Vadim Finkelchtein, president of the company, said after the first fight was held: "People loved watching knights fighting in full armor, using swords and shields."
He added: "Since that time we started holding M-1 Medieval knight fights on regular basis.
"I see these fights look much as MMA . Knights also strike each other, use their skills in stand-up.
"They can do almost everything, except stabbing and choking each other."
He said he would like to create a full standalone Medieval fighting show with weight divisions and champion titles and belts.
