Souped-up lawnmowers, hunting humans and basque handball… These are your new niche sports

Now that UFC is so mainstream even your granny watches it, you're going to need a new niche-interest bloodsport.

Maybe it was the Notorious Conor McGregor, maybe it was phenomenal success of the Joe Rogan podcasts. Whatever the reason, UFC has now firmly cemented itself as a staple of popular sporting culture. When half of Hollywood hit Vegas to attend UFC196 you know the sport has reached peak cool. If you're the type of person who enjoys edgier, lesser-known sports but still want to watch people beat each other black and blue – fear not – you're in luck! Boy have we got some gnarly games for you...

Pugil Sticks

US Marines use Pugil stick training to simulate the practice of repetitively smacking someone in the face with the back end of a rifle. Praised for the discipline it takes to master and the sheer high-octane energy of the sport its difficult to see how this didn't catch on quicker. Think Gladiators, but on steroids. https://twitter.com/MCRDPI/status/705438717918339073

Calico Fiorentino

The ancient sport of Calcio Fiorentino also known as Gladiator Football or Calcio Storico dates back to as early as 1490 when it was allegedly played by Italian aristocrats. A brutal mix of cage-fighting and football. 27-a-side. What more could you want? Much like Quiddich there are only four legit teams. So choose well. [caption id="attachment_46279" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via David Ramos / Getty)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_46280" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via David Ramos / Getty)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_46281" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via David Ramos / Getty)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_46282" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via David Ramos / Getty)[/caption]

Archery Tag

Hunting animals is increasingly frowned upon these days. But nobody ever said that two consenting adults don't have the right to hunt each other down with soft padded arrows. Archery tag, a brutally faced paced mixture of traditional archery and paintball is the perfect group activity for letting off steam. Agility required. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkC1wxAaDjM

Basque Pelota

Born in Spain's Basque region during the 1700s, this unique, adrenalin-charged sport - and its close cousin Jai-Alai - is a longstanding cultural custom. Insane ball speeds combined with a special racket (or Palas) makes this a potentially lethal sport when played properly. It probably needs a rebrand though for TV marketing. We suggest 'Death Tennis'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d45uhH2l3xY

Lawn Mower Racing

It's exactly what you think it it. At first it's tempting to dismiss this one. Surely it can't be better than formula 1? we hear you ask. Lawn mower racing is both more entertaining and more deadly than F1 racing simply because there are less regulations and more DIY nutters trying to be a champ. [caption id="attachment_46286" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via Jonathan Ferrey / Getty)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_46287" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via Jonathan Ferrey / Getty[/caption] [caption id="attachment_46288" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via Jonathan Ferrey / Getty[/caption] [caption id="attachment_46289" align="alignnone" width="594"] (Via Jonathan Ferrey / Getty)[/caption] Special mentions go to Team UFC fighting, Uphill swimming,  Bike polo and, of course, cheese rolling.