Cauliflower Ear - A Badge Of Honor Or Unsightly?

Before Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Randy Couture entered the octagon to do battle in the world of MMA, his passion was wrestling.

He wrestled in high school in Washington, earning a state title as a senior. He wrestled in the Army and went on to become a three-time All-American at Oklahoma State. Add in a senior and two national Greco-Roman titles.

Couture doesn't have to pour out a single, eloquent narrative of his past endeavors, it's obvious. Take a peek at his ears. They're his wrestling calling card.

Each appendage is bloated with cauliflower ear, a condition that forms when the ears are repeatedly struck or if the skin is detached from the cartilage. Both conditions cause swelling. Blood pools - as a bruise would - and due to the poor circulation in the ears, the blood remains. If not drained while liquefied or removed when coagulated, the remnants harden to form cauliflower ear...More?

source: The Tampa Tribune