Because the broadcast aired live on the west coast and ran past 10PM, its preliminary ratings information is subject to notable (and almost certainly positive) revision. But as of right now, indications are that “UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Melendez” delivered weaker ratings than the previous UFC on FOX special, which saw Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson defend against John Dodson.
According to fast national data, Saturday’s UFC posted a 1.5 adults 18-49 rating with 3.31 million viewers. Though enough to claim a dominant 18-49 ratings victory on broadcast Saturday, this weekend’s numbers fell short of those posted by the prior two specials.
In January, Johnson vs. Dodson delivered a 1.8 rating with 3.77 million viewers in the fast nationals.
UFC’s December 2012 show, meanwhile, delivered a 1.6 rating with 3.41 million viewers. That show also featured a Benson Henderson lightweight title defense; Nate Diaz was the challenger in that case.
Worth noting is that both the January and December shows received ample promotion during FOX’s NFL coverage. Saturday’s show did not benefit from such support, and as such, deserves credit for almost matching the rating set by the prior Henderson title defense.
Previously, only the Diaz vs. Miller and Shogun vs. Vera had aired without support from NFL coverage. Both shows delivered considerably weaker ratings than this Saturday’s fight; Diaz vs. Miller drew a 1.0 rating rating with 2.3 million viewers, while Shogun vs. Vera averaged a 1.1 and 2.14 million.
According to TV Media Insights, Saturday’s UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Melendez opened with a 1.1 and 2.59 million viewers from 8-8:30PM. It improved to a 1.5 and 3.18 million from 8:30PM-9PM and then a 1.7 with 3.73 million viewers from 9:00-9:30PM. The 9:30-10PM half-hour averaged the same 1.7 but with 3.72 million viewers. Ratings for the overrun were not available at press time.
