The BMA has extended its call for a complete ban on amateur and professional boxing to include mixed martial arts competitions, a "no holds barred" form of fighting.
Mixed martial arts include "ultimate fighting" and "cage fighting". Fighters use a variety of striking techniques, such as kicking, kneeing and punching, plus grappling techniques, such as clinch, pinning and submission holds, takedowns and throws.
Today the BMA published a report explaining why the association is extending its anti-boxing campaign to include mixed martial arts. Its publication is just days before an "ultimate fighting" event is due to take place at the O2 arena in London on Saturday.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's Head of Ethics and Science, said: "Ultimate fighting can be extremely brutal and has been described as 'human cockfighting'. It can cause traumatic brain injury, joint injuries and fractures.
"This kind of competition hardly constitutes a sport - the days of gladiator fights are over and we should not be looking to resurrect them. As doctors we cannot stand by while violent fighting tournaments are allowed to take place."
She added that while large amounts of money can be earned by participants, no amount of money could compensate for permanent brain damage and premature death.
Boxing causes brain damage, acute brain haemorrhage and eye, ear and nose damage. There is also evidence that boxing not only causes acute brain injury but also chronic brain damage, which is sustained cumulatively in those who survive a career in boxing.
The BMA has campaigned for a ban since 1982. Professional boxing is already banned in Norway and Iceland.