MMA Payout has learned from a Nielsen source indicates that last night’s episode 4 of The Ultimate Fighter season 20 received 577,000 viewers Live + same day. Wednesday’s episode received the largest audience for the season.
Episode 4 featured Carla Esparza as she tapped out Angela Hill in the first round of the fight of the episode.
Of note, this season’s TUF average is up from last season through four episodes (433,500 vs. 530,000). Also, the rerun of episode 3 which preceded the new episode drew 194,000 viewers which is up about 15% above the average of all TUF repeats in that time slot.
Payout Perspective:
Notably, Anthony Pettis was not on the show as Urijah Faber filled in for Showtime. Perhaps I was paying attention more last night, but I thought the background on both fighters was excellent. In addition to exceeding last season’s live ratings, it is also averaging 850,000 viewers in its DVR +3 day adjusted ratings versus last season’s average of 769,000 (through 3 episodes).
Looks like TUF 20 is turning the corner. And the most competitive fights are just now starting. Looking forward to Herrig vs. Clarke. Great stuff.