The Taliban movement has labeled MMA (mixed martial arts) as a sport incompatible with Islamic laws and has banned it in Afghanistan.

Axar.az reports that the Taliban's Sports and Physical Education Department spokesperson, Atal Meshwani, stated that MMA competitions will not be held in the country after the decision.

"There were already religious opinions regarding this sport, and the investigation's result was to prohibit open combat. MMA is problematic in terms of Sharia law and contradicts Islamic teachings," it was reported.

Taliban officials noted that MMA is extremely violent and poses a risk of death.