The eighth episode of The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights drew a 1.8HH rating for an average audience of 2.5 million viewers on Wednesday night. The show also played well in the M18-34 and M18-49 demographics, pulling a 3.1 and 2.6, respectively.
Payout Perspective:
Here’s a look at the ratings over the last eight episodes:
| Overall | M18-34 | M18-49 | |
| Episode 1 | 2.9 | 5.3 | 4.3 |
| Episode 2 | 2.2 | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Episode 3 | 3.7 | 6.9 | 5.4 |
| Episode 4 | 2.2 | 3.8 | 2.4 |
| Episode 5 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Episode 6 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 2.8 |
| Episode 7 | 1.9 | 3.6 | 2.8 |
| Episode 8 | 1.8 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
Two comments:
- Spike and UFC have started to promote UFC 106 featuring the new main event: Tito vs. Forrest II. I’m a little surprised they’ve made the decision not to promo 105. Sure, there is a difference between the free and PPV nature of the cards, but a good showing on free television for the UFC could really pay dividends for the entire fourth quarter. Then again, with Kimbo likely to be fighting on the TUF 10 Finale, that should provide them with a solid corollary push in December.
- Spike again hinted that Kimbo could make a comeback. It really has to make you wonder whether they’re serious this time, or still just trying to use him as a draw. Although, it really doesn’t make a difference at this point; the people annoyed by the constant Kimbo-tease are still going to watch regardless, and if Kimbo does happen to fight again on the season, Spike will ensure that the entire world knows about it.
I used to think it was a bad idea to hint at a Kimbo comeback. But to be honest they can justify doing so and it not be just a ratings grab. The purpose of the sho is to show what goes on in the house. If there is an injury and Kimbo actually believes he might comeback then that is very relevent to what is going on in the house at the time. If someone is hurt and everyone is buzzing in the house about Kimbo fighting and Kimbo is talking about it and cheering after each injury. The UFC cant edit that out just because a few people dont want to see what is really going on in the house just because it happens to be Kimbo.