Rules with a Lethal Twist
I prefer fights that end with the loser killed - an ultimate display of dominance and victory. Enter as a cocky, confident fighter; exit as lifeless meat and bones. The rest of my profile describes this in more detail.
Deathfights are straightforward option, but I find it more engaging when death isn't mandatory by the rules. This makes killing a deliberate choice by the victor, a sudden mid-fight fatality that shocks the crowd, or simply more believable - especially in mixed-gender or unweighted matches. It's less plausible for someone like me to sign up for a fight where death is mandatory against a larger opponent.
Here are some rules I enjoy that fit this schema:
Pin to Win
The fight ends via a self-enforced 10-count pin or verbal submission by the victor.
- Deadly Option - The victor can silence the loser's surrender, then pin the corpse after killing (and doing whatever else they desire).
- Perceived Safety - Fighters might underestimate fatality risks, assuming they can submit, or that KO is way more likely (and it is). They may also assume the club will intervene if things escalate. Spoiler: They won't.
Ring-Out
Combat occurs in a ring or marked circle. The fight continues until both are inside; the first to exit loses. No submissions.
- Deadly Option - Do anything to the loser, then toss the remains out to claim victory formally. This even feels like a ritual.
- Perceived Safety - Fighters may think they can escape danger by self-ejecting to forfeit safely, unaware that death is fully permitted.
Sumo
an option similar to the above, except you also lose if any of your body parts (above knees or elbows, including) touches the floor.
- Deadly Option - same as the above, except it's harder for the winner, as they have to make sure the loser's body stays within bounds and upright. But this can make it a fun challenge, especially if the loser is much smaller and lighter.
- Perceived Safety - same as Ring-Out.
Strip Fight
The fight ends when one fighter is fully stripped of clothing.
- Deadly Option - Retain even one item of clothing to prolong the fight indefinitely, and "play" with the loser as long as you wish. When ready, rip it off to claim your victory. Or kill them first and remove all clothing at the end in one go, that could also be a fun show for the crowd.
- Perceived Safety - It reads like erotic strip wrestling or a sexy show, even with full-contact NHB rules. Fighters (naive or not) might dismiss it as non-lethal kinky show, blind to the violence or the club's tolerance for kills.
Submission Hold
Victory via joint lock, choke, or other hold forcing a tap-out or pass-out.
- Deadly Option - Rules state that it's up to the winner to choose whether they accept the tap out or keep the loser in the hold until they pass out. With no rules regarding death, they can choose to keep it even longer if they so wish.
- Perceived Safety - Standard grappling rules suggest mercy on submission, luring fighters into thinking escapes or taps will always save them from permanent harm.
Points-Based Fight
Score points for strikes, takedowns, submission holds and more; first to a set total or most after time limit wins. No direct finishes.
- Deadly Option - Submissions, KOs and death don't stop the fight. Only when you reach the points cap do you stop fighting. If your opponent expired before that... well, gotta keep going and score more points.
- Perceived Safety - Feels like a scored sports match with low stakes.
Last Man Standing
Fighters continue until one can't rise after a 10-count knockdown.
- Deadly Option - One way to ensure the downed foe never rises - finish them.
- Perceived Safety - It's just to a KO, right?
And so on! I'm open to creative rules following this format.