What is a cauliflower ear? Can a cauliflower ear be fixed?

Over the past couple of decades, mixed martial arts has ventured into the realm of mainstream sporting content consumed by viewers. As fighters become household names and famous media personalities, many have noticed them sporting unusual ears. This condition is called 'Cauliflower Ears' and is common among combat sports athletes worldwide.

Also known as perichondrial hematomas, cauliflower ears are generally caused by repeated blunt-force trauma to the side of the head, which causes blood clots that lead to swelling. These blood clots cause tissue damage, leading to ears having a lumpy appearance resembling a cauliflower.

While beginners and amateurs can prevent this by wearing protective headgear, it is almost impossible for high-level professionals competing in sports like boxing, MMA, grappling, and even rugby to avoid suffering the effects of the hits they take regularly.

While the condition can be treated, the forms of medical treatment depend on the duration of the injury and how long the ears have remained deformed. For athletes, applying ice packs regularly and surgically draining fluid from the ears are standard methods in the short term. However, permanent deformation can only be corrected via 'Otoplasty' surgery or reconstructive surgery.

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When Michael Bisping reacted to women asking him about his cauliflower ear

While professional MMA fighters usually consider cauliflower ears to be their battle scars meant to be shown off with pride, being asked about their condition constantly has understandably gotten on the nerves of many. One such fighter is none other than former middleweight champion Michael Bisping.

Despite retiring from the sport five years ago, the 43-year-old Brit is still a mainstay in the world of MMA and is regularly seen behind the UFC's commentary booth. However, it seems even a veteran like 'The Count' can't escape the "what happened to your ears?" question.

On a past episode of the Believe You Me Podcast, Michael Bisping shared his irritation at being randomly asked about his cauliflower ears in public by women with his co-host Anthony Smith:

"Do you get that with cauliflower ears? 'What happened to your ears? Why are they like that?' Always girls... And I say, 'Well... When I was a baby, there was a house fire and kind of the side of my face got all melted...' They go, 'Oh my god, are you serious, that's awful.' No I'm not f***ing serious, the fu** are you talking about? Fu** off. Mind your own business."

Watch the full video below: