Gracie essentially convinced everyone they need to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by dominating larger guys. So, everyone followed suit. Things aren't what they were. Fighters are much more well-rounded nowadays and that's part of why the sport is exploding. I dunno, that's my opinion and I hope Hughes wins.
Gracie seems like a total asshole to me - he liked to keep wrenching the armbars LONG after dude tapped out. Fucker would break guyss arms completely unnecessarily.