how important is technique?

Depends on what lever you plan to fight on. If you just do it for fun? Truth is that technique is not that important until you get to a level where EVERYONE DESERVES to be there.

At the local gym? If you do your roadwork, callisthenics, rope, and bag drills? You can beat most. When you start competing? All of that will be presumed to be already done. The fakers get exposed quick and then... You technique is the only thing that separates you from the next guy or saves you from "freaks".

Always be sure to be the best you possible.