MMA Payout has learned from a Nielsen source that the World Series of Fighting 15 Saturday night on drew 179,000 viewers on NBC Sports Network up against stiff competition from both the UFC and Bellator.
The main event featured David Branch defeating Yushin Okami via TKO. In the semi-main event, Justin Gaethje defeated Melvin Guillard via split decision.
Payout Perspective:
Once again a WSOF event occurs on the same day as another event by a major MMA organization. On Saturday, it went up against Bellator and the UFC. The 179,000 viewers is the lowest WSOF rating since WSOF 7 (which drew just 94,000 on tape delay), yet fair considering that both Bellator and UFC had fights on during its event. The previous low was WSOF 6 which drew just 161,000 viewers.
I honestly wish these guys the best, but on a weekend with a UFC PPV, Bellator card, and Klitschko fight this just got lost in the shuffle. I didn’t even DVR it. They need to be better at choosing their event dates.
I’m happy for David Branch, I don’t know the odds but that has to be considered an upset.
Jason, in the headline it says 161,000 but in the body of the article, it says 179,000. I’ve seen the latter figure reported elsewhere.
Also on the UFC prelims, I’ve seen both 624K and 664K reported.
For NBCSN these are average numbers, especially with the amount they are paying WSoF (probably next to nothing)
NBCSN were in and showed the UFC before and I can only see them and Fox Sports bidding for the rights next time, swith Showtime and HBO being outside bets. Spike wont pay the amount the UFC, ESPN doesn’t need them