MMA Junkie reports that episode 2 of The Ultimate Fighter 14 scored an average audience of 1.6 million viewers for a household rating of 1.22. The average is slightly better than the 1.5 million debut last week.
Notably, the episode included the product placement of NormaTec compression suits used by Team Miller. The sports performance and recovery industry is a growing area as exemplified by NormaTec, VersaClimber and Training Mask. I believe all 3 have sponsored fighters in the UFC. The episode also saw another way to use training tires as Team Miller played a prank on Team Bisping.
Episode 1: 1.5 million
Episode 2: 1.6 million
Payout Perspective:
A slight improvement from last week. We’ll see how well the audience will get into this season. Seems like there will be more fireworks between the fighters based on the previews. As the MLB playoffs start, we’ll see if there is any overlap between TUF 14 and baseball.
I think this shows that the “core” UFC audience differs from most traditional sports. In one of the most incredible nights in regular season MLB history, TUF’s ratings improved.
First year watching TUF in a long time. The fights and fighters are excellent. The little guys are fun to watch.