Among UFC athletes during this 8-year period, 23% sustained two knockout losses in a row. Predictors of two consecutive knockouts were older age, male sex, heavier weight class, and prior KO history, with prior KO history the only independent predictor. Recognizing prior knockout exposure as a key risk factor may help coaches and sports medicine physicians identify fighters at greater vulnerability for subsequent knockouts. Identifying high-risk fighters through knockout history may inform return-to-competition and medical clearance decisions.
Albert et al. (Thu,) studied this question.