TKO

TKO is an acronym that can refer to several concepts in sports and entertainment. The two most widely recognized meanings are technical knockout and TKO Group Holdings, a public company formed to hold major sports brands.

Technical knockout, abbreviated as TKO, is a stoppage of a combat sports match by the referee, the fighter’s corner, or a ringside physician because a competitor is deemed unable to continue safely. A fight can be stopped for a variety of reasons, including irreparable damage, injury, or the fighter being unable to defend themselves effectively. In boxing and mixed martial arts, a KO (knockout) occurs when a fighter is knocked unconscious, while a TKO is used when safety concerns or an inability to continue warrant an end to the bout before unconsciousness.

TKO Group Holdings is a United States-based media and entertainment holding company formed in 2023 by Endeavor Group Holdings to consolidate its sport-related assets, notably the UFC and WWE brands. It operates as the parent company for these properties and was established in connection with Endeavor’s corporate restructuring. The company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TKO.

In addition to these primary meanings, TKO may be encountered as an acronym in other contexts or branding. The two usages described above are among the most widely recognized.