So much evolving in martial arts due to the UFC. If I got the history correct Rorian Gracie came to America trying to make it in California. He trained out of someone's garage. He would challenge division I wrestlers who he tapped out quick and his reputation grew. When he created UFC he thought he would use his frailest looking relative his brother Royce in the contest. We all know what happened. During the early UFC there were only three jui jitsu schools in the country. It was California, NY and NJ. That's around the time I rolled on the mats. Craig Kukuk was the only American black belt in Jui jitsu and he paired up with Renzo Gracie.
As martial arts evolved it became apparent that in Brazilian jui jitsu at the time wasn't well versed in take downs or strikes. Conventional wrestlers started to dominate with ground and pound after they realized to never give up their back. Then strikers evolved who were skilled in avoiding the take down. Jui jitsu guys were having a hell of a time fighting someone they couldn't take down or keep down.
Fast forward to now it seems to me that guys trained in conventional wrestling are learning jui jitsu quickly and with a combo of Muay Thai are the most rounded. Moves that worked great in the past in Jui jitsu aren't taught anymore because simple counters are now common. The game keeps evolving.
