is it bad to want to test your style against others?

Hey guys.



i have been practicing martial arts since i was 8 years old. lately at 23. i have been feeling myself wanting a test my knowledge against other styles. not in a malicious way. i just want to see where my strengths and weaknesses are. so is this feeling a common thing? is it also a common thing to avoid MMA like the plague? I mean ill watch it but i have little interest in competing in that world.