MMA fighters play brutal basketball-UFC hybrid game in bonkers new sport

Sports fans in Kazakhstan have a new game to get their teeth into after the bizarre invention of batyr ball.

Of course, a completely new sport would take years of planning and governance so why not just combine two, with no similarities whatsoever. Footage has emerged online of the brutal hybrid game that melds MMA and basketball together, played inside a fighting cage.

While little is known of batyr ball, the clip shows two sets of players facing off in a 3v3 encounter. It seems to have been invented by Kazakhstan-based MMA promotion Naiza Fighting Championship.

Basketball hoops are placed at either end of the cage but between them, it seems a case of anything goes with the rules still unclear.

READ MORE: 'Booty slapping' contest leaves women's bitt cheeks red raw and fans gasping

Bare-footed players are seen wrestling and grappling with each other – as they would in the UFC – before trying to dunk the ball in the net to secure some points.

Health and safety does not seem to be high on the agenda either, with the clip showing a glass backboard shattering after an attempted shot from a player.

It appears the match is played by MMA fighters rather than basketball stars so the likes of LeBron James and Steph Curry needn't worry about having to enter the cage anytime soon.

The clip was met with a mixed response on social media, however one fan was left dreaming of an all-star team combining legends from each sport.

@RogerWilliam77 called out James and former UFC champion Conor McGregor, adding: "I think you guys would make a pretty good team."

Others suggested Dana White added the sport to his growing collection of brands, while @airoderinde tweeted: "Gonna tell my grandkids that this was 90s ball.

One Twitter user, @KingSuperior2K had a champion in mind though, posting: "Khabib would be pound for pound number 1 in this sport."

And the former UFC champion has previous having posted a video playing a similar sport titled Dagestani basketball in the past, which features elements of rugby.

He joked there was only one rule – 'don't hurt yourself' – although it appears that philosophy may be harder to follow in batyr ball.

READ NEXT:

• Conor McGregor says 'don't be scared' after calling out Khabib again
• Conor McGregor opens door to Khabib rematch with jibe about Russian's father
• Paige VanZant set for bare knuckle boxing return despite OnlyFans success

Source: Read Full Article