I think the head butts,face stomps had to go in order to grow the sport..lots of states and athletic commisions hated the sport and i imagine stamping on faces didnt help it...it was only a few years ago that new york had its first ufc ever...i like the old pride rules...aggression scored more....yellow card or points deduction for no action...stomps and kicks to a downed opponents head were legal to....i think your right its widespread and had to be a bit more tame to become widepread mate