Knockdowns

Knockdown refers to an event in combat sports where a participant is forced to the canvas, typically by a legal punch or other forceful strike, such that they are unable to immediately rise and continue fighting. A knockdown is distinguished from a slip or trip without a strike. The fight may be temporarily paused, and a count may be administered by the referee to determine whether the downed fighter can safely continue.

Boxing is the sport most closely associated with knockdowns. When a fighter is knocked down, the referee begins a ten count. If the fighter rises before the count reaches ten and is deemed fit to continue, the bout proceeds. Depending on the round's severity and the fighter's performance after the knockdown, judges may assign scoring as 10-9 or 10-8 for that round; repeated knockdowns can lead to a 10-7 score. If the fighter cannot meet the count, or is ruled unable to defend themselves, the referee stops the bout in favor of the opponent (a knockout).

MMA and other modern combat sports employ similar concepts but differ in procedure. There is no mandated ten-count; the referee may pause the action, stand the fighter up, or stop the fight if the downed fighter cannot defend themselves. Knockdowns can influence scoring and momentum, but rounds are typically shorter and the action may resume more quickly after a knockdown.

Beyond sports, the term knockdown is used in science to describe a reduction in the level of a target, such as gene knockdown, where expression of a gene is decreased using techniques like RNA interference or antisense technology. In general use, knockdown can describe any substantial decrease in a quantity or impact.