A combat sport ( also known as a combative sport ) is a competitive contact sport where two combatants fight against each other using certain rules of contact , with the aim of simulating parts of real hand to hand combat . A Combat sport , also known as a Combative sport , is a competitive contact sport where two combatants fight against each other using certain rules of engagement ( usually significantly different from the rules in simulated combats meant for practice or challenge in martial arts ) , typically with the aim of simulating parts of real hand to hand combat .