The Top 10 Cauliflower Ears in the UFC

By Ali Hammad March 25, 2024 22:32

Cauliflower ears, a common battle-scar among athletes involved in close-contact sports, are particularly prevalent in the UFC.

This article delves into the top 10 individuals in the UFC with some of the most notable cauliflower ears, shedding light on their careers and the cause of their unique ear deformities.

1. Randy Couture

Randy "The Natural" Couture, a UFC Hall of Famer, is a three-time UFC Heavyweight champion and two-time UFC Light-Heavyweight champion.

Couture's amateur wrestling background and extensive experience in Greco-Roman wrestling and NCAA Division I All-American competitions led to the development of some of the worst cauliflower ears ever seen in MMA, let alone in the UFC.

2. BJ Penn

BJ Penn, also known as "The Prodigy," is a UFC legend who has won titles in both the Lightweight and Welterweight classes. Renowned for his grappling skills and natural talent in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Penn's cauliflower ears are some of the most horrendous in UFC history, resembling horribly deformed ears past the point of no return.

3. Khabib Nurmagomedov

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Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov, the UFC Lightweight champion, recently announced his retirement from MMA with an unbeaten record of 29-0.

His cauliflower ears, likely caused by years of wrestling and grappling from a young age, stand as a badge of honor, showcasing his dominance inside and outside the UFC.

4. Leslie Smith

Leslie "The Peacemaker" Smith, known for her attempts to unionize UFC fighters, has a decent UFC record of 4-3. Her cauliflower ears infamously burst during a fight with Jessica Eye, making for one of the most horrifying visuals in UFC history.

5. Alexander Gustafsson

Sweden's Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson, known for nearly defeating Jon Jones in a memorable fight, boasts cauliflower ears that have morphed into random collections of skin protruding from the sides of his face, adding to his imposing frame and intimidating look.

6. Frankie Edgar

Frankie "The Answer" Edgar, a former UFC lightweight champion and top-ranked featherweight contender, possesses cauliflower ears that have evolved into shapeless lumps of skin stuck to the side of his head, reflecting his tough New Jersey personality and fighting style.

7. Kazushi Sakuraba

Kazushi Sakuraba, a true legend in the world of MMA, is known for his wins over members of the famed Gracie family and his toughness rarely matched. His ear injury during a fight led to blood spewing in all directions, showcasing the toll his long career has taken on his ears.

8. James Thompson

English heavyweight James Thompson, known for a headline bout with Kimbo Slice, entered the cage with a noticeably swollen cauliflower ear that quite literally exploded during a fight, leading to the referee stopping the match.

9. Sara McMann

Sara McMann, an Olympic Silver Medalist in wrestling and UFC Bantamweight fighter, proudly wears a discrete amount of cauliflower ear, reflecting her dedication and toughness in the sport.

10. Jessica Andrade

Brazilian Bantamweight fighter Jessica Andrade, known for her powerful fighting style, sports a little ear nugget that complements her fierce demeanor inside the octagon.

All in all, cauliflower ears in the UFC are not only a result of the physical demands of the sport but also a badge of honor for many fighters, symbolizing their dedication, toughness, and the battles they have endured throughout their careers.