Have you found yourself wondering if Muay Thai features knockouts or not? Maybe you have heard people discussing knockouts and want to know if you can expect to see these in Muay Thai?
Or are you curious and want to know more? Whatever your reason might be, we have the answer for you!
When it comes to Muay Thai, we bet you have lots of questions! Despite being around for centuries, the combat sport is still new to many people and can easily leave you unsure of what to expect!
Will there be knockouts or not? It’s a question that plagues many of us, but we just can’t seem to find the answer that we need.
Well, no more! Today, we are here with the answers you need. Just keep reading to find out if Muay Thai features knockouts and everything else you need to know about the sport!
What Is A Knockout?
For those that aren’t sure, let’s quickly explain what a knockout is. A knockout in martial arts is when one fighter is knocked out by the other.
These knockouts tend to end fights, as one fighter will be unable to continue fighting. Knockouts see a fighter deliver a blow that usually sends the opponent to the floor.
In some cases, the fighter will be knocked unconscious or unable to stand straight away. Usually, a count of three or five is given.
If the fighter is unable to stand during that count then the referee will declare the fight is over, and the player standing will be the winner.
Punches, body slams, and other strikes are some of the most common ways to deliver a knockout that will end the fight.
These can come as one swift hit or the final blow after a few minutes of intense fighting which has already exhausted the opponent.
Knockouts can be quite dangerous, especially if the opponent is knocked unconscious for a brief time.
Most combat or martial arts now have strict rules in place that will protect fighters, especially as brain and liver injuries can be quite common.
The head is an important part that must be protected, especially in knockouts, with medics on hand to provide examinations and treatment where necessary.
You should speak to your trainer to learn more about the rules surrounding knockouts and what moves are allowed.
What Is Muay Thai?
Before we get into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those that need it! Muay Thai is a form of Thai boxing, also known as the Art of 8 Limbs.
The martial art uses a mixture of striking, sweeping, and punching to help you take down your opponent.
Unlike other combat sports, you can use 8 limbs, mainly the knees, shins, elbows, and fists to attack or defend yourself from your opponent.
Originating in the 13 century, Muay Thai has developed over the years into the sport that we know today.
From a fighting technique used at wars to stadium-level fights viewed by thousands, Muay Thai is a martial art that has adapted and maintained its relevance, not just in Thailand, but across the world.
No matter where you live, you are sure to find a trainer nearby that can show you some basic Muay Thai moves or help you train to a professional level.
This is quite a brief overview of the course, but now that we have established what Muay Thai is, let’s move on and find out whether Muay Thai features knockouts or not!
Does Muay Thai Feature Knockouts?
Let’s get straight into it! Yes, Muay Thai features knockouts! Knockouts are one of the ways that a Muay Thai fight can be won.
Being able to deliver a knockout is a valuable tool in a Muay Thai fighter’s arsenal, as it allows them to end the fight quickly. Although fans aren’t always happy when the fight ends quickly, they like to see a show!
To achieve a knockout in Muay Thai, you have two choices, a knockout or a technical knockout. Let’s take a closer look at these now to help you learn more about them.
Knockout In Muay Thai
A knockout happens when one fighter knocks their opponent out. When this happens, the opponent is usually on the floor and unable to get back up, or is briefly knocked unconscious.
This can happen from one punch, or after intense fighting where the opponent is exhausted before a final blow sends them to the floor.
When this happens, the fight is declared over by the referee. The fighter left standing is immediately declared the winner of the fight.
Often, there is little room here for the opponent to disagree with the decision, as they have been unable to continue the fight.
Technical Knockout
The second option is a technical knockout, or TKO. This happens when one fighter is declared by the referee as unable to continue fighting.
We see this in boxing too, where one fighter is perhaps too injured to continue the fight, struggling to stand, or there is another reason where the referee declares the fight over.
There is some room to challenge the declaration here if the fighter or their team thinks they are fit enough to continue the fight.
There are strict rules that must be followed here though, so it is unlikely that the referee will change their mind and allow the fight to continue, although there have been occasions where this has happened.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, Muay Thai does feature knockouts! Knockouts are two of the three ways that a Muay Thai fight can end, with either the opponent being knocked out or the referee declaring a technical knockout.
You must make yourself aware of the rules surrounding acceptable strikes before a knockout so that you don’t cause any long-term injuries to your opponent.
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