Anyone who has watched a lot of pro wrestling knows that any time two pro wrestlers sit down for an ‘arm wrestling’ exhibition it never ends well. Its a similar deal when pro wrestlers get involved in a bodybuilding posedown, weigh lifting challenge, etc. Here’s a couple of historical examples:

Anyway, last year we received a press release plugging a new sport/fight promotion called XARM. Basically, it combines MMA and arm wrestling. We thought it sounded like an article from ‘The Onion’ so we ignored it. Art Davie, who was one of the pioneers of the UFC *way* back in the day is behind XARM but we didn’t think much of it until we saw a post about it and a video on the great sports blog Deadspin. First, the video of XARM:

Here’s what Deadspin had to say:

As the runaway success of Chess boxing proved, any sport can be improved by adding ass-kicking to the mix. Imagine arm wrestling, where the rest of your body is free to wail on your opponent. America’s got a new pastime.

We’re all in agreement that “Over The Top” is the manliest movie of all time, right? Well, some crazed genius wondered, “how can we make this manlier?”

Art Davie, who gave birth to the UFC, now brings us XARM - extreme arm wrestling.

As for the rules…there are no rules! Actually, that’s not true, I just always wanted to say that.

The competitors’ hands are strapped together, and victories are achieved by pinning the opponent’s hand. Or kicking the shit out of their head. Or snapping their ankle until they submit.

It’s basically like that time Savio Vega beat Steve Austin in a Caribbean Strap Match. Yeah, I’m all about this.

Arm wrestling–to the max @ Deadspin

Our initial response is that this could make Yamma Pit Fighting look like PRIDE Final Conflict. My next question: will any state athletic commission sanction this?

Anyway, if you want to read more here’s the XARM official website:

XARM Official Website