I don't know James, I don't think you can quantify, yet, what role strength has.
Strength may be the latest craze in MMA but I don't think it'll be possible to blitz your way in with pure size / strength, soon. I think the guys with the technique are very quickly realising that they need to be stronger to compete. Mir is already much larger, and going further (according to post fight).
Also, In the early UFC there was a powerlifter who was beaten resoundingly with better technique. Can't recall the names but he had no clue and his strength wasn't that useful.
It seems like the natural progression of things.
Speaking of the older sport of boxing, fighters became stronger and taller. And now, today, they don't look anything like the fighters of Bob Fitzsimmon's era.
I think MMA is entering the same 'arm's race' now. Guys are going to keep getting bigger, until they are both strong
and skilled.
One of the reasons I think strength is at least equal in value, is because you and I can both give examples showing either factor triumphing over the other.
And I also believe someone that is 7' and 300+ pounds will triumph over a 110 pound BJJ black belt more often than not.
However, when someone has both factors, they invariably win--this we can agree on.
You have to consider that, even fighters considered small are only small compared to other fighters.
In other words, they aren't big; however, they are 'big enough' to possess the power to KO other fighters.
Royce Gracie was small in relative terms; however, most average men are not 6'1" 175+ pounds, and athletic.
If Royce Gracie competed in the same tournament as 5'9" 150 pounds, he probably wouldn't have been as successful.
He was 'big enough'.
There is a catch-point at which guys can potentially hurt each other with decent probability.