Mixed martial arts has been around long before the UFC. However, the organization has helped cultivate the sport into a world wide spectacle that continues to seek recognition.
The NFL, by comparison, is still a much more lucrative and viable sport that is accepted on all corners of the earth while MMA still seeks social acceptance in some areas.
However, the UFC is making strides that will enable the promotion to become synonymous with the NFL, as it will remain the leading franchise for MMA as a whole.