Yup.. u specifically get it when u wrap your arms around 1 or both legs during take downs and or passing the guard using the leg wrap technique.
In september i will have been doing BJJ for 17 years. I managed to avoid cauliflower ear.
How?? I wore Wrestling head gear for the 1st 7 years of BJJ training. Then i changed my guard pass by bridging my head towards the legs when i wrapped them up for a controlled pass. That passing style hurt the other guy, give me better control when passing and kept my ears pretty.
Keep in mind when i pass, i'm on my feet with 1 or both legs wrapped up, bridging on my neck with all of my weight focused on the top side of my head, not the side of my face rubbing my ear. (if you roll u know what i am saying)
I have had the ear cartilage break and swell before (the start of cauliflower ear), but i would drain my ear with an 18 gauge needle and ice it that night.
Its funny because BJJ guys loved that look. It is equivalent to a pit bull get it ears cut short. It intimidates other fighters and BJJ guys.
People sometimes look at my ears and ask how are you a BJJ black belt???? My answer is "I am that fucking good!!" lol
I am not a bull shiter or a tough guy just a relayer of fact. If you have doubt in what i say check out who gave me my Black belt..
http://www.riganmachado.com/black_belts.asp
My Name is David Novigrod