A martial artist... are we talking about someone who is committed to one art? Say kung fu, karate, judo etc? If so, then you are foolish. UFC exposed martial artists for what they are... fighting styles that work great when isolated. Put it up against someone who can grapple, punch, kick etc and they don't have much of a chance. A kung fu practitioner unless trained in grappling, flails around on the ground looking rather hopeless.

A mixed martial artist in my opinion is the ultimate fighter in a no rules, or few rules situation... it is made to be effective in this area. Kung fu and the rest work well against other martial artists in a situation with rules... or against some average joe on the street who hasn't got a clue.