It's not saying much to note grappling is changing both inside of mixed martial arts (MMA) and out. The key question is, how is grappling evolving? Is it modernizing, regressing or going in unexpected directions?
As it turns out, the answer is messy. ADCC bronze medalist and UFC featherweight - as well as season 22 winner of The Ultimate Fighter - Ryan Hall has a few theories. On the one hand, the overall level of skill is up, but there's a curious homogenization going on inside of the sport.
Outside of MMA, although perhaps related to it, a growing sub-only preference is affecting both how fans perceive jiu-jitsu and what is getting prioritized.