Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 hr ago
Some MMA fans are deliberately trying to develop cauliflower ears
The misshapen ears common in MMA are becoming an aesthetic trend among some fans of the sport.
The condition, also seen in rugby players, is called cauliflower ear and happens when repeated blows or rubbing cause blood to collect under the skin of the ear.
Some people are deliberately injuring their ears to create the look without fighting, but the damage can be serious.
The blood can harden and scar, cutting off the cartilage’s supply of nourishment and causing it to die.
The injury can lead to infection, hearing problems and chronic pain, as well as making glasses and in-ear headphones difficult to use.
The condition can also have psychological effects, and the story gives no further developments or next steps.
Some mixed martial arts fans are deliberately injuring their ears to develop the cauliflower-ear appearance associated with fighters.
The deformity is caused by blood collecting under the skin after blows or friction, then hardening as it forms scar tissue and calcifies.
The process can damage cartilage and lead to infection, hearing problems and lasting pain.
The deformity can also make it difficult to wear glasses, earbuds or earplugs.
- Who
- Some MMA fans.
- What
- They deliberately injure their ears to cause cauliflower-ear deformities.
- When
- The trend has emerged recently; no specific date is stated.
- Where
- Among people interested in MMA; no specific location is stated.
- Why
- Some want to resemble fighters. The article suggests they may associate the look with masculinity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Cause
- Blood collects under the skin after blows or friction.
- Cartilage damage
- The blood can separate the perichondrium from the cartilage, which may then die.
- Possible complications
- Infection, hearing problems and chronic pain.
- Practical effects
- The deformity can make it difficult to wear glasses, earbuds or earplugs.
What people are saying
We won't offer a tutorial because we don't want to encourage this.