Kimbo Slice = Ratings

The New York Times reports on Bellator 149 tonight mainly focusing on Kimbo Slice’s return to the television.  Regardless of his ability, the former street fighter has produced ratings and Friday night should not be any different.

The brief NYT article characterizes Bellator as a “smaller mixed martial arts organization” that uses “card attention-grabbing fights that make up in colorfulness what they lack in top-flight talent.”  Although a backhanded compliment, the numbers do not lie.  Scott Coker’s “tent pole” events are always ratings boosts.  Slice has the “it” factor when it comes to viewership.  Last June’s fight against Ken Shamrock drew the highest ratings in Bellator MMA’s history.

Whenever Slice is on television, he draws ratings.  His appearance on TUF in 2009 on Spike TV drew the best ratings for the franchise as the 12 episodes averaged slightly over 3 million viewers.  Of course, the feud brewing between Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson helped keep the viewership base.  Still, Slice was/is a ratings magnate.  It’s worthy to note that the TUF Finale 10 featuring Slice in December 2009 drew 3.7 million viewers and peaked with 5.2 million viewers for his fight with Houston Alexander.

Prior to his stint in the UFC, his Elite XC appearances on CBS drew large ratings with 4.85 million viewers in May 2008 and 4.56 million viewers in October 2008.

Slice versus Dada 5000 will not be a technical matchup but the promotion for the fight has been nothing but spectacular.  If you like grudge matches and want to see old rivals fight, you will tune in to see this.

Payout Perspective:

The Slice-Dada build for this fight has been great.  While the betting lines have brought more scrutiny to this fight, it’s likely that the additional spotlight will bring more viewers tonight.  The fight, which will likely last less than one round, has overshadowed the main event of Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie.