Mixed Martial Arts became popular in the United States around 1993 with the founding pf the Ultimate Fighting Championships.  MMA has been a century old sport in Brazil commonly known as "Vale Tudo" or "anything goes".  In the early 90's the Gracie family brought Vale Tudo/MMA to the United States where they teamed up with a producer to create the UFC.  The initial goal of Mixed Martial Arts competition was to see which style of fighting or Martial Art proved to be most effective.  Since 1993, Mixed Martial Arts has continued to grow in popularity among Mixed Martial Artists and fans in the mainstream media.  As a result, Mixed Martial Arts has become and exciting sport and form of Martial Arts in it's own rite, proving that one style of Martial Arts is not necessarily superior to all other styles, but that in fact a competitor who is well versed and who has mastered many style proves superior.