It will not be a record-setting performance for UFC, but the leading mixed martial arts promotion again delivered respectable numbers for a FOX broadcast.
After raising concerns about its primetime viability with disappointing shows in May and August 2012, UFC bounced back with a strong number for the Henderson vs. Diaz show in December. It kept that momentum alive Saturday, easily beating all broadcast competition in the adults 18-49 demographic.
The show, headlined by Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira, posted a 1.8 adults 18-49 rating and 3.77 million viewers, according to Nielsen’s Fast National data.
Because the broadcast ended after 10PM and aired live on the west coast, there will likely be a slight upward adjustment in the final data.
According to current data, the show opened to a 1.4 rating with 3.03 million viewers at 8PM, before bouncing to a 1.7 and 3.52 million at 8:30PM. As viewers geared for the co-main-events, the show jumped to a 2.1 and 4.30 million at 9PM and concluded its in-timeslot portion with a 2.1 and 4.21 million at 9:30PM.
The final ratings data will reveal whether viewership actually peaked for the Rampage fight or the Flyweight Championship fight, but the fast nationals suggest that both fights played their part in keeping viewers engaged.
Erik Koch vs. Ricardo Lamas and Anthony Pettis vs. Donald Cerrone aired in the 8PM portion.
