The Wrestling Observer reports that the Ultimate Fighter 17 Prelims on Fuel TV garnered an impressive 236,000 viewer average. The TUF 17 Prelims was the second most watched program in Fuel TV history.
In addition, the weigh-ins the day before scored 126,000 viewers which made it the third most watched weigh-ins in Fuel TV history.
Payout Perspective:
Good numbers for the Prelims as the Fuel TV portion featured mainly TUF 17 contestants. Last December, TUF 16 Prelims only garnered 96,000 viewers so either fans wanted to watch some fights or they knew of the quality of fighters this season. Once again, the surging Fuel ratings reflect the fact that the UFC will be an anchor for FS1.
Not bad for Fuel prelims.