What is the punishment for a rabbit punch?
Daniel Johnson
Published Mar 27, 2026
Penalties. If a rabbit punch is deemed unintentional, the referee will take no action. However, the referee will warn and deduct points from the offending boxer if it occurs repeatedly, or if the rabbit punch is deemed intentional.
What happens when you get rabbit punched?
It is considered especially dangerous because it can damage the cervical vertebrae and subsequently the spinal cord, which may lead to serious and irreparable spinal cord injury. A rabbit punch can also detach the victim's brain from the brain stem, which can kill instantly.Are rabbit punches illegal?
Rabbit punch is illegal in most fighting sports because it can lead to serious spine and brain injuries. Back of the head is a place where our spinal cord is located, which is an integral part of the human Central Nervous System. Being hit hard can damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis or other spinal injuries.Are rabbit punches allowed in UFC?
#3 - Rabbit PunchesWhile rabbit punches are now deemed illegal, they were once legal in the UFC. Despite strikes to the back of the head and neck being illegal, they do still often occur unintentionally. This doesn't mean outright disqualification as long as the fighter doesn't continue with it despite warnings.
What punches are illegal in boxing?
Boxing Illegal moves
- No hitting with an open glove, the wrist, the backhand, or the side of the hand.
- No hitting below the belt, hold, kick, head-butt, trip wrestle, bite, or push your opponent.
- Throwing a punch while holding on to the ropes to get leverage is an illegal boxing move.