FASCINATION with medieval history runs deep worldwide - but very few would want to go as far as to re-enact the bloody wars that plagued the era.
Yet inspired brutal battles that took place in the Middle Ages, a competition has emerged that sees fighters wield axes and swords in a bloodthirsty sport that makes the UFC look like child's play.
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Fighters are able to strike their opponents with axes and swords Credit: AFP 6
Mass battles are also held where competitors are able to his any part of the body Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6
Fights are refereed by specially trained 'knight marshals' Credit: YouTube
From one v one fights to terrifying "mass battles", competitors can strike any part of their rival's body - making for gory scenes as if straight from a History book as the "deathmatch mode" sees fights last until only one person is left standing.
Historical Medieval Battles, also known as "Buhurt", is a full contact fighting sport, where brutes can arm themselves with steel blunt weapons based on those from the Middle Ages.
But these are not staged battle re-enactments and are instead true fights refereed by specially trained "knight marshals" with combat experience.
Fighters - who are allowed to hit and wrestle their enemies - must be suited up in 30kg of armour, mainly made from steel to mimic the aesthetics of their historical counterparts.
Footage from "mass battles" shows wannabe warlords ruthlessly whacking their opponents with hardcore weapons after running towards each other - as if fighting in a proper war.
The savage sport emerged in the late 19th century when the first large-scale battles with the use of steel arms were held in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
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World championships, named Battle of the Nations, are now held every two years following the inaugural tournament in 2010 - with almost 1,000 fighters from more than 40 countries now battling it out in 14 different categories.
A note on the HMB website reads: "The first World HMB Championship Battle of the Nations was held in 2010 in Khotyn Fortress (Ukraine) and since then visited Warsaw (Poland), Aiges-Mortes (France), Trogir (Croatia), Prague (Czech Republic), Barcelona (Spain), Santa Severa Castle (Italy) and Smederevo Fortress (Serbia).
"Each year Battle of the Nations brings something new for its followers. In 2019 it was a glorious mass battle of 150×150.
"With 300 fighters in the field the viewers were able to experience the true spirit of medieval warfare, to see true courage of the fighters and strategic art of the commanders."
Competitors even hail from the UK, with just a few medals won by British battlers.
But unlike the true battles of the medieval era, there are rules and regulations competitors must abide by.
Weapons are checked for correct measurements and safety ahead of battles, and a number of very traumatic techniques are banned.
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The sport emerged in the late 19th century inspired by medieval battles Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6
Battle of the Nations is held every two years with competitors form around the globe Credit: YouTube 6
Fighters wear heavy heavy to protect themselves from blunt weapons Credit: AFP
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