I think a lot of that has to do with UFC's insistence on making 'stars' out of their reality fighters... some are all right, but geez, they don't all need a special! Some really good international fighters have been pre-empted by Chris 'Talentless' Leben and his ilk...
As for Liddell, I never really thought much of his style (or lack thereof)... he has great takedown defense, but I've always thought a good striker could pick him apart without much trouble- the only thing he had was that ridiculous knockout power and his aggression once someone was stunned.