MMAPayout.com has learned that the fifth episode of The Ultimate Fighter Season 11 drew a 1.3 HH rating on the strength of an average audience of 1.8 million viewers. The show fared well in the M18-34 and M18-49 demographics with a 2.6 and 1.92, respectively.
Interestingly, the 2.6 in the M18-34 was not only the highest rating the show has received all season, but it also beat out the NBA’s Hawks/Bucks playoff game on TNT (2.4).
The quarter hour progression was as follows: 1.13, 1.25, 1.34, 1.38
Payout Perspective:
We’re starting to notice some interesting trends where this season is concerned.
- The show has yet to drop to the typical 1.0 HH mark, which is unusual considering this is now the 5th episode. However, this week’s episode might have turned a few people off given the nature of the contest itself (two gassed opponents resting on each other for much of the fight).
- The ratings in the M18-34 are well above the average (2.1 > 1.6), which is obviously great news for the UFC, Spike, advertisers, and sponsors.
Here are the ratings on the season thus far:
| TUF 11 | Overall | M18-34 | M18-49 | |
| Episode 1 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 1.8 | |
| Episode 2 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 1.54 | |
| Episode 3 | 1.3 | 1.63 | 1.53 | |
| Episode 4 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 1.9 | |
| Episode 5 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 1.92 | |
| Episode 6 | ||||
| Episode 7 | ||||
| Episode 8 | ||||
| Episode 9 | ||||
| Episode 10 | ||||
| Episode 11 | ||||
| Season Ave. | 1.36 | 2.126 | 1.738 | |
| Season Med. | 1.3 | 2.1 | 1.8 |
Kelsey,
Don’t forget about the preview that Spike put together for next week’s episode. Fans might be intrigued to see how Tito’s coaching is reflected by this new (and serious) looking injury to one of his fighters, as well as a spat between Chuck Liddell and Dana White. Personally, I’m not necessarily buying that either incident will be a very big deal, as these kinds of incidents tend to be previewed as major parts of upcoming episodes, but rarely amount to much airtime or controversy on the actual show. That said, my skepticism doesn’t change the fact that they’ve got me curious to see how things plays out, and that’s all Spike and Zuffa really need.
Another aspect of this season that may be keeping the ratings above the usual average is the forthcoming exodus of Tito Ortiz from the show. fans may be wondering what happened and will want to watch each week to find out. It will be interesting to see whether or not Spike gives away when this will happen on a preview of an upcoming episode in the future.
Machiael,
I don’t think most casual fans know Tito will be leaving the show. The bulk of the Die-hard MMA fans are on the internet regularly and might know it, but that makes up maybe 50% of those watching TUF.
I think it is a combination of folks left over from last season as well as the drawing power of Chuck and Tito.
This season has presented some decent fights and engaging fighters. When all is said and done, I think this will end up being the strongest season in years.
And while this week’s fight was, at times, laughable, it did have both guys landing shots. Had it been a ground snugglefest, I think there would be a greater chance of it damaging the show.
Wonder what impact Tito getting arrested had on ratings. I guess TMZ reported it and that should have give people who saw the news reason to tune in when they run across his name on TUF be it finding out online or chanel surfing.