What is a rabbit punch?

A rabbit punch is a term used in boxing and MMA to describe an illegal punch to the back of an opponent's head or neck. This type of strike is extremely dangerous as it can cause serious injury or even death by damaging the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, or brain stem. The term "rabbit punch" is derived from the idea that hitting someone in this area can have a similar effect as striking a rabbit at the base of the skull to quickly and humanely kill it.

Due to the high risk of serious injury, rabbit punches are strictly prohibited in professional boxing and MMA competitions. Fighters who use rabbit punches can face penalties such as warnings, point deductions, or disqualification. In some cases, fighters who repeatedly use rabbit punches may be subject to suspension or fines.