MMA Fighting reports that the final UFC on Fox 7 ratings from this past Saturday scored a 3.7 million viewer average for a 2.2 rating. The overnight ratings indicated a 3.31 million viewer average.
The ratings are less than December’s UFC on Fox 6 which featured Henderson in the main event. The Seattle show received 4.39 million viewers for a 2.5 rating.
By itself, the Henderson-Melendez match which mostly aired during the time overrun scored 4.96 million viewers for a 2.7 rating. This was lower than Henderson-Diaz (5.7 million) and Johnson-Dodson (5.2 million)
Via MMA Fighting:
The positives were in the demographics, as in the Male 18-34 age group, the 2.2 rating was more than double the combined average of ABC, CBS and NBC programming in competition (1.0). FOX also outrated the other three major networks combined in Males 18-49 (2.7 to 1.6) and Males 25-54 (2.8 to 2.2). One thing notable from these numbers is that the show did far stronger numbers with males 35-49 than those who were 18-34, the latter of which is UFC’s usual prime demographic.
The numbers reflect that Saturday’s event was 3rd lowest rated UFC on Fox event out of 7. The article suggests that the NFL cross-promotion of the UFC events aids in UFC viewership for its network events.
Payout Perspective:
The ratings are somewhat disappointing considering this UFC on Fox card was one of the best cards the UFC’s has had on Fox. In fact, it has overshadowed this Saturday’s PPV. But, how much does the NFL influence have over UFC events? Fox bumpers during each and every NFL broadcast during the season and a controversial skit demonstrated the UFC-Fox synergy. And based on the numbers it looks like the NFL’s influence helps with UFC viewership.
I think any time you can remind that many viewers about an event coming up on a channel they are already frequently tuning into. You can only help the numbers. Its not a stretch it would have a decent impact. Still surprised this didn’t jump more with the addition of the west coast and the main event. With Thompson, Diaz, DC, and Gilbert all being from Cali. You would think there would be a lot of people tuning in late. Maybe I have it backwards. They were already tuned it and the strong west coast selection of fighters didn’t bring in strong ratings across the rest of the nation. When you add in Mir and Benson. Just about all the fighters were from the west. Not a good mix of regions. This may also speak to the limited potential of Henderson if he cant beat anyone decisively. I think its hurting his credibility that so many people still think he lost both edgar fights and some think he lost this fight. Doesn’t allow him to make the most of the champion label.
the NFL push clearly has an impact on ratings but these are good numbers, its the highest non NFL promoted event and is up 1.3 mill average over the same card this time last year.
The card was very good on paper, equal to the last two events but didnt have that huge star like a BJ on it.
I think it shows the UFC with a good card can do good numbers anytime of the year but the NFL push gives them about an extra million viewers
Do think they need to start giving other fighters the main event slot, cant be Bendo and MM every single event, looks like MM will headline in July.
Add in some BW or FW title fights, maybe even put Ronda/Cat or a Jon Jones fight on Fox in Dec one time just to get a killer rating. I know they cant put them on Fox alot cause they need them for PPV buys but I’d really love to know what ratings the UFC could do with a DEc card pushed by the NFL with a mega star in the main event.
Jones, Silva, GSP. They did 9 mill peak for Cain/JDS, I think a Silva or GSP fight could do over 10 mill during the main event.
I think the event did very well. It’s up 42% over the first off-football season event. The article linked was fairly negative towards the ratings, but I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t much of a drop off like there was last year. I hope this means during NFL season the ratings will start to go into the 5-6 million range.