WATCH: Graphic Warning! Cauliflower ear of fighter BURSTS open as opponent lands devastating elbow
During the events of ACA 166, a well-timed elbow strike resulted in an exploding cauliflower ear. This causes an abrupt end to the fight.

Cauliflower ear explosion with a well timed elbow puts an end to the fight (via X)
Fighters are used to the unexpected in the rough and cruel world of mixed martial arts. The latest event at ACA 166 raised the degree of shock to new heights. The co-main event between Edil Esengulov and Vinicius Cruz came to a violent conclusion on November 24, 2023. This happened when Cruz’s cauliflower ear split open in response to a devastating elbow strike.
The two welterweights fought in a back-and-forth struggle for three rounds, setting the stage for the shocking finish in the fourth. Esengulov demonstrated his top control by timing a left elbow with exquisite accuracy. The hit had already swollen and cauliflowered Cruz’s right ear. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in a terrible eruption of blood that spilled across the canvas. The fight-ending ear explosion stunned audiences in shock and amazement, prompting referee intervention.

The fight was a vital match in the ACA Welterweight Grand Prix and had fight fans on the edge of their seats. Esengulov was on a 13-fight winning streak. He entered the cage as the betting favorite but was up against a tough opponent in Cruz.
Fighters commonly associate cauliflower ears with tenacity and perseverance. The explosive intensity of Cruz’s injury attracted a new degree of attention to this often-overlooked component of the sport. As the MMA world absorbs this terrible tragedy, it serves as a sharp reminder of the physical toll and dangers associated with the quest for glory inside the cage.
MMA fans react to the violent cauliflower ear explosion
The exploding cauliflower ear tragedy created an everlasting impression in the minds of fight fans for a long time. MMA, famed for its raw and uncensored character, has moments that transcend the sport’s customary ferocity. The bursting ear event at ACA 166 is an example of an uncommon occurrence that exposes both combatants and viewers to the harsh realities of combat sports.

As the video of the ear explosion went online, social media sites exploded with emotions. MMA fans expressed horror and admiration for the fighters who put themselves in danger in their quest to win. Comments and discussions filled the internet, sparking a virtual debate over the occurrence and its ramifications for fighter safety. These are some of the reactions from fight fans:
The exploding ear event will surely become part of MMA mythology after ACA 166. This will definitely put itself into the collective consciousness of fight fans as a visceral reminder of the unpredictable and occasionally cruel character of the sport they passionately follow.
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