with the Smithsonian Institution unveiled an exhibit on June 23, 2011 to document the first mixed martial arts league in the United States. The exhibit features memorabilia from the mixed martial arts based competitions including rare posters, fight gear, press materials, and photos that depict the event. The exhibit began as a display in the front of the museum, and will ultimately find its home as a permanent addition to the boxing and wrestling sections of the Sports Museum. The Senator John Heinz History Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania. “The Sports Museum has brought to light the central role that Pittsburgh has played in the sports of boxing and wrestling, focusing on such greats as Bruno Sammartino and Kurt Angle,” said Anne Madarasz, co-director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. “This exhibit adds a new chapter as we trace the roots of mixed martial arts in the United States back to the Pittsburgh region.” The Godfathers of MMA Shortly after the success of the UFC, Viola and Caliguri attended a Golden Gloves boxing show at Monzo's Palace Inn, Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Famed Pittsburgh boxing promoter Jimmy Cvetic affectionately recognized them in the audience and introduced them as the Godfathers of MMA. The nickname has stuck and is commonly used to acknowledged them as the original creators of the sport of mixed martial arts in America. Pittsburgh MMA Inc. In August 2012 CV Productions, Inc. amended its corporate structure to be renamed "Pittsburgh MMA Inc." officially recognizing Western Pennsylvania as the birthplace of the sport of MMA in America. Bill Viola currently serves as President. Pop Culture CV Productions was the subject of the book Godfathers of MMA (2014) and Tough Guys (2017) written by Bill Viola Jr. Viola and Caliguri also starred in Showtime Documentary film Tough Guys (2017) which chronicled the first mixed martial arts league in America. References External links CV Productions, Inc. Website Companies based in Pittsburgh American companies established in 1979 Mixed martial arts organizations Privately held companies based in Pennsylvania 1979 establishments in Pennsylvania