A rabbit punch is a type of hand strike that targets the back of an opponents head or the base of the skull. The term "rabbit punch" was coined in 1915, and it was derived from the use of the technique by hunters to kill rabbits with a quick, sharp strike to the back of the head. A rabbit punch 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. It can also detach the victims brain from the brain stem, which can kill instantly.
In combat sports such as boxing and MMA, the rabbit punch is illegal because of its potential to cause severe injury or death. Any type of punch that targets the back of a fighters neck or head is considered a rabbit punch, including straights, hooks, overhangs, cupping strikes, or even hammer fists. In boxing, rabbit punches are generally thrown with looping punches, hooks, and cupping strikes, while in MMA, they are more likely to occur within a grappling situation, especially when a fighter is using ground and pound.
