A few years ago, okay even last year, it seemed that the key to UFC success was the guys with strong ground skills (and in UFC histroy, Gracie, Shamrock, Hughes, etc. they owned)
Lately, the guys who are devastating on their feet *and* can avoid takedowns are taking over:
Chuck Lidell - Definetly a striker and has beaten guys like Ortiz and Couture who had far better grappling skills
Georges St. Pierre - Owned Matt Hughes with his stand-up, though he's got a ground game too. Maybe the best overall fighter in UFC now mainly due to his incredible striking.
Tim Sylvia - Definetly a striker but managed to avoid takedowns vs. one of the world's best, Jeff Monson
Anderson Silva - Destroyed Rich Franklin with his stand-up
Okay, the only other champ, Sherk, is a ground guy but clearly the advantage seems to be heavily in favour of the guys who win with their fists and kicks ... and if the past few events are any indication, it is bringing out far more exciting bouts.
Discuss while I eat breakfast.
