MMA Junkie reports that the debut of TUF 14 drew a 1.5 million viewer average in its last season on Spike TV. The two hour premiere which featured nothing by fights was the number one rated show in its timeslot among the key demos of males 18-34 and 18-49.
Via MMA Junkie:
The ratings were on par with past seasons of the long-running reality-competition series. The “TUF 13” debut scored 1.5 million viewers, “TUF 12” drew 1.6 million, and “TUF 11” scored scored 1.9 million. A heavily anticipated heavyweights-only 10th season shattered records with 4.1 million viewers for its debut in 2010.
Payout Perspective:
Despite moving back to its preferred timeslot the UFC still scored the same rating as last season’s debut. Still, Dana White still seemed pretty happy with the viewership. This season will prove to be interesting as its the first time that bantamweights and featherweights will be featured. We’ll see if TUF 14 can improve on the 1.5 million viewer average.
Keep this in mind. One thing that had been evident since season 1 of TUF is the decline in talent. After RUF 1 there was a boom to MMA. Orgs were popping up and signing talent. It became very hard to acquire the talent they were able to get on TUF on other seasons. I think that is about to change this season. For the first time since TUF 1 they are using weight class’ that havent been picked clean by others Orgs. Not many Promotions use these weight class’ and there isnt much Organization in the class’ either. So there is still tons of talent out there. Look for some of these guys to make real waves their their division in the UFC.