MMA Junkie reports that episode 7 of TUF Live airing Friday night received an average of 1 million viewers. The ratings did not receive any bump from the UFC 145 as viewership remained the same from last week.
TUF Live Episode 1: 1.28 million viewers
TUF Live Episode 2: 1.1 million viewers
TUF Live Episode 3: 1.2 million viewers
TUF Live Episode 4: 1.1 million viewers
TUF Live Episode 5: 947,000 viewers
TUF Live Episode 6: 1 million viewers
TUF Live Episode 7: 1 million viewers
Payout Perspective:
While the ratings did not slide, it’s interesting that the third episode of UFC Primetime saw a 13% bump in ratings yet TUF Live ratings remained the same. One would think that TUF Live would receive a bit of an increase as a lead-in to the show. Also, on the heels of a big UFC weekend, one would think people would want to watch some MMA.
What have other FX shows done on the same day/time slot?
I think they should replace TUF with another idea. Maybe a version of something like the TAPOUT show. Currently they put all these guys on TUF and none of them are world beaters ike the old days. If there is someone the people like they ALWAYS get beat because the match making is random. From Leben, to Gurgel, Browning, to Kimbo. What if they picked 4 prospects they wanted to showcase. Guys with skill and personality and followed them through training and fights in small shows as they work their way to the UFC. Then you have 4 stars you have built and all had the viewers attention the entire time. Rather than having 32 guys and the ones everyone likes getting beat the those who win have only been paid attention to for a couple weeks.
The current format is tired and flawed. Most of the guys they showcase one week will be eliminated and out of the UFC and from memory in a year.Have the 4 guys live and train together fight small shows and they are not lost in the shuffle like every fighter on TUF now.
@BSmash:
I agree with you. I really enjoyed the TapouT shows especially the first season because it was so raw and genuine. MTV’s Caged tried to be like that but it got a little too MTV.
Imagine the production quality with the UFC and FOX behind Tapout and in stead of a new fighter each show they followed a handfull of fighters for a season. Say 3 fights each and their training and life leading up to each fight and the finale can have all the guys on an Ultmate fight night for their first UFC fight.
TUF was great when it was the only fighting on tv and they had the entire world to pick from for contestants. Now there isnt the talent outside the UFC and nsigned there used to be. If TUF is struggling now what will happen in 5 more seasons. They cant think it will possibley shy rocket. So if it is going to be a struggle might as well move on and try to establish something else before Another Network like Spike/Belltor come and steal the viewers with a fresh concept. I think they have rode the TUF brand a year to long. It may be a little to late to beat Spike to the punch now. FX should have had their own idea with the UFC rather than running with the Spike Version of TUF. Live was a great addition imo but people were let down to see nothing really changed and it had the same old look and feel.
Greco:
http://mmapayout.com/2012/04/payout-perspective-ufcfox-tv-deal-q12012-performance-review/
Overall, FX is down from last year, but they were getting better ratings in the same time slot overall, but not better M18-34 numbers.