diego was a monster grappler. I really think when he was raw coming out of TUF (he still had like 15 fights, undefeated), he was at a crossroads. he was a beast grappler (still is); he was a guy who would take someone down and just kick his ass from the top and work for subs.
but he ran into two fighters whom he couldn't bully around (fitch and kos), and he probably started focusing more on his standup. also, let's face it.... fighters hit speed-bumps every day against training partners. he started gearing himself more toward striking (also, i'm sure the riggs ko didn't help).
from there, he retreated and has been reduced to more of a brawler. it's almost sad, because I think if he had focused more on wrestling, he could've been more of a threat these days. fighters evolve and devolve; it happens. I think diego went in a direction that did not serve him well. sure, his versatility has helped him, but his one distinct technical advantage (bjj) can never be utilized because the wrestling just isn't there. I think Kenny florian would've beaten diego any time in the last 5 years.
like I said, shit happens. maybe his wrestling wouldn't have mattered much anyway because there are too many better athletes who can stuff his takedowns. that could be true. perhaps, the sport was going to evolve and pass him by anyway. I just don't like how his heart, chin, and tenacity are relied upon instead of being used as something to fall back on. it's a fine line, and I can only guess. I mean, afterall, I think that 2006 riggs was a fighter whom he couldn't bully with his wrestling and his improving striking came through and stole that fight.
