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 first coined in 1915, and it was used to kill rabbits by striking them in the back of their head to instantly kill them. 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, the rabbit punch is illegal in boxing, MMA, and other sports that involve striking. The only exceptions are no-holds-barred events such as the International Vale Tudo Championship (prior to rule changes in mid-2012) . If a fighter lands a rabbit punch, they may suffer a number of penalties after the match, including suspension, fines, and even having their fighters license revoked.

Literally any type of punch that targets the back of a fighters neck or head is considered a rabbit punch. It could be straights, hooks, overhangs, cupping strikes, or even hammer fists. In boxing, rabbit punches are generally landed with looping punches, hooks, and cupping strikes. In MMA, they are more likely to occur within a grappling situation, especially when a fighter is using ground and pound.

The term "rabbit punch" originated with hunters who used to trap rabbits and in order to kill the rabbit, they would strike the animal in the back of the head. If executed properly, the brain stem would be severed, causing instant death.