Legendary boxer Khabib Nurmagomedov and his deformed ear - Photo: UFC
What is cauliflower ear?
What is cauliflower ear? It is a deformed, swollen, puffy, twisted ear that resembles a cauliflower. A very familiar sign to MMA fighters or wrestlers.
This is not a congenital defect, nor is it a temporary injury. Rather, it is the result of repeated impact, friction, and trauma to the auricle area.
Cauliflower ear is common in freestyle wrestling, classical wrestling, judo, BJJ, MMA - sports that require high-intensity collisions, using many throwing, choking and headlocking techniques.
The mechanism that causes cauliflower ear is very specific. When the ear is subjected to a strong shock - usually from rubbing against the training floor, body armor or impact during an attack - the blood vessels under the thin skin on the earlobe rupture.
The blood does not flow out but collects between the skin and cartilage, creating a large hematoma. If the blood is not drained promptly and properly compressed, this hematoma will clot, leading to cartilage necrosis and fibrosis.
The result is a swollen, misshapen, rough ear, which eventually becomes known as “cauliflower ear.” Although this is a preventable and treatable medical condition, many famous boxers are proud of their deformed ears.
For them, it is a testament to their tenacity, resilience and years of combat experience. Randy Couture, a former UFC champion, declared: “Nobody remembers anything else. My ears are the thing that I am famous for… People want to touch them, squeeze them and take pictures with them. My ears attract crowds.”
Randy Couture and his cauliflower ear - Photo: ESPN
He even said that even if he was offered surgery to return his ear to its original shape, he would refuse.
Cael Sanderson - freestyle wrestling legend and Olympic gold medalist - also shared: "It's ugly and painful, but everyone wants it... It brings you into a secret community of tough and good fighters."
And Frank Edgar - UFC fighter - said that he was once kicked and his ear almost fell off: "Part of my ear was kicked off... I had to glue it back on. Now it looks like any other cauliflower ear."
Not to be taken lightly
However, along with the pride are the consequences that cannot be overlooked. Cauliflower ear is not only unsightly, but also carries the risk of cartilage inflammation, ear abscess. Even serious infection if not treated properly.
The familiar wrestling position in MMA causes most fighters to have deformed ears - Photo: ONE
The average person can develop an ear hematoma after practicing grappling, wrestling, or BJJ for just a few months without proper ear protection. In some mild cases, the hematoma can drain and heal, but if left untreated, it can become a permanent deformity.
Treatment for cauliflower ear depends on the stage at which it is detected. If the ear is newly swollen, the hematoma should be drained promptly and a compress applied for several days to avoid cartilage damage.
If it is deformed, the only solution is cosmetic surgery. It is best for the practitioner to use headgear (ear protection) from the very beginning of training, especially when participating in sparring or competition.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tai-sup-lo-dau-hieu-nhan-biet-vo-lam-cao-thu-20250710205004923.htm
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