I saw the show and I had to wonder why did they keep comparing most of it to boxing it made me wonder if UFC had some hand in its production.
They most likely did (or at least the current popularity thereof did).
Western boxing is a very effective fighting method to this day. Delving into Martial Arts history: jujitsu (Japanese) got one of its first big western recognitions when Prof. Henry Okazaki defeated "Kayo" Morris in Hawaii - 2nd round, arm throw under a left jab, Morris too injured to continue.
That said: one of the big tests in any sport or self-defense martial arts system is how well can it stand up against a skilled boxer.