Mixed Martial Arts has its fair share of oddly named ailments that range from “ringworm” to “Cauliflower ear.” The latter is a sort of staple in Mixed Martial Arts because of the ear’s noticeable disfigurement. Cauliflower effects a lot of head-bashers and it’s turning into quite the badge of honor for a lot of teenagers engaging in the sport.

“It’s definitely part of the culture,” said Dr. John H. Park, a physical therapist in Rockville, Md., who specializes in treating M.M.A. participants. “They say, ‘Chicks dig that stuff because they know you’re a fighter.’ “

We correlate the misguided perceptions of these teenage fighters to that of a goon telling a girl she has a nice rack. It may sound like you’re giving them a compliment, but inside they are wondering a disgusting being ever grew to exist, and why in the world do they have to put up with you. Frankly, we don’t think chicks dig Cauliflower ear.

In gym locker rooms and online discussion forums, teenage boys trade advice on ways to gain that telltale look. “It’s man’s ear,” said Nisar Loynab, 15, who trains at Capital Jiu-Jitsu in Alexandria, Va. “When you get cauliflower, you’re really a man.”

Oh. We get it. It’s kind of like an STD a sailor would get when he finally reached land. Badge. Of. Honor!

M.M.A.’s Macho Badge of Honor: Deformed Ears [NY Times]
Image [Sherdog]