For many grapplers and mixed martial artists, cauliflower ear is seen as a badge of honor – a visual sign of their commitment to their combat sport. However, comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan is not a fan of the disfigured ear condition that commonly affects those in grappling martial arts like jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and others.
In a candid conversation, Rogan expressed his aversion to cauliflower ear, stating “Ears like yours get calcified. You’re definitely going to change what things sound like. It’s the price to pay to be dangerous.” While he acknowledged it may help portray a tougher image, Rogan felt it simply wasn’t worth the risk and potential hearing impacts for him personally.
Rogan, who practices jiu-jitsu recreationally rather than as a professional fighter, said “I’m just a comedian. So for me, it’s like I got to mitigate what gets f**ked up, right?” He recalled using protective ear guards designed for jiu-jitsu that were comfortable but viewed as a “p**sy move” by some hardline grapplers.
Strikingly, Rogan revealed that some combat athletes are so enamored with the cauliflower ear look that they purposely try to induce it. “Some people don’t even train with ear guards. They’ll break their ears and they’ll do things to their ears on purpose so they can purposely get it,” he said, expressing disbelief at this extreme measure merely for aesthetic reasons.
While cauliflower ear may carry a aura of toughness for professionals, the potential downsides make Rogan perfectly content avoiding the disfigured look and hearing risks associated with it. His stance highlights the divide between recreational martial artists and those willing to embrace bodily damage for their combat sport career.
