has mma really evolved in the last 20 years?

[Khaosan]

I remember knowing Crocop was fucked the moment Fedor did a rear leg check on Crocops middle kick (42ish seconds into the video posted).

 

[Cartiac]

Of course, the sport has evolved massively. HW specifically is now actually its own division that requires having to be a very big dude to compete. There is no chance LHWs can just skip their cut and be HW champ or even competitive anymore. The skill level lags the lighter weight classes since they do not get experience fighting highly skilled opponents which is what makes HW Jon Jones the king.

 

[markg171]

Your two dudes went from landing head kicks and armbars at will because no one knew what they were to never landing them again after they did.

In fact one of them had it done to him back by a grappler and the other nearly got kimura'd by a striker.

Yes things have evolved. Take off your Pride nostalgic rose tinted glasses.

 

[Steveston]

Back then a fighter having a blackbelt in BJJ was a notable thing to have ... now almost everyone has one. Striking is a lot more technical these days back then most guys would just brawl and that's what separated Anderson Silva from everyone else when he first came into the UFC.

 

[RonDante]

“Actually, the sport peaked 10 years after it started when almost no one did it!”

you know mma is better now, and you know volk is the featherweight goat

 

[JKS]

You had a handful of HWs that were very evolved and well rounded, but most were not, same with most weight classes. 10 years ago the game is still the same, but 20 is a big difference. It all started shifting around 2007 with the evolution of mid and lower classes, 170, 155 and 145 and then 135.