If honoring magnificent ‘cauliflower ear’ was an annual ceremony, Randy Couture would win the lifetime achievement award in their inaugural televised broadcast. James Thompson would spill his drink in frustration while Sakuraba pats him on the back. Somewhere in the balcony, BJ Penn stands up initiating a slow clap, and the remainder of the room follows suit. Confetti falls from the sky, champagne corks pop, etc. etc. In this particular evening of recognition, there is no consolation prize, only hope for next year. The theater dims the house lights and the academy rolls this footage of the new trailer for ‘Hijacked’ as a message of inspiration to others that they need to step-up their game. When it’s all over, the theater clears out and Bob Sapp arrives with his broom to sweep the floors in his last relevant role in the sport of MMA.
