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 looks like 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 collision, 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 gym floor, body armor or impact during an attack - the blood vessels under the thin layer of skin on the ear rim 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 swollen, misshapen, and rough ears, eventually becoming “cauliflower ears.” 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 what I am famous for… People want to touch them, squeeze them and take pictures with them. My ears draw 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 UFC fighter Frank Edgar said he once had a kick that almost severed his ear: “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, besides the pride, there are consequences that cannot be ignored. 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 just a few months of grappling, wrestling or BJJ 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 quickly and a compress applied for several days to avoid cartilage damage.
If it is deformed, the only solution is cosmetic surgery. Ideally, the practitioner should 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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