This is the brutal moment two giant rams face off against each other in a bizarre festival to celebrate the return of spring.

The Sheep King tournament in Heze, Shandong province, China, on March 12, set 200 animals against each other in a literal knockout contest.

Footage of one of the rounds shows rams, the size of small ponies, sprinting at each other as their huge horns clash with a sickening crack.

During the rounds, the animals fight head-to-head until one is knocked senseless or considered too weak or injured to continue by judges.

Organisers call it a celebration of the power of nature as spring brings regrowth to the land after winter.

Qwner Jia Fan said: 'I come to participate in our ram fighting competition every year.

'It's very spectacular, very popular. Today I brought my eight contestants and I have great confidence in them.'