A human with cauliflower ears is similar to a human with a visible weapon on them.

Cauliflower ears are the easiest sign of extensive MMA experience. When you see humans with this deformity it is a sign that they have not just done a few months of MMA classes but years and years of training and intense fighting competition. They have become capable weapons in their own right.

You might fancy yourself tough, or big, or unafraid of confrontations, but unless you yourself have extensive martial arts training of some kind… most people with cauliflower ears probably have significantly more fighting experience than you and even if they’re being loud; obnoxious, jerks… you’d be wise not to test them.