Yaaaaaaaaa! I'm the first one to post in your topic
I believe that is where Baraka always had them. If you look at him from mk2 and mkgold you will see they are in the same spot they always were in.

The extra long blades will most likely be used as his weapons. So they made them larger so he can cover more area when he swings them.

His blades are in his arms, with the opening almost right at the wrist.

I don't care, as long as they look good. I prefer have them longer anyways, I always missed when I used them because they were too short in MK2.