TUF 11 ratings down from TUF 10, up from TUF 9
In unsurprising ratings news, Spike TV today announced that the debut episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 11” witnessed a 53…
In unsurprising ratings news, Spike TV today announced that the debut episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 11” witnessed a 53 percent decline in viewership from the first episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 10.”
Of course, “TUF 10” featured YouTube legend and proven ratings draw Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson, whereas “TUF 11” hosts a crop of mostly unknown middleweight prospects.
Despite the drop-off, the 1.9 million viewers that tuned in represents a 9 percent increase from 2009’s “The Ultimate Fighter 9” debut.
mmapayout,com Payout Perspective:
If you recall, the debut of TUF 10 earned a 2.9HH with a 5.3 in the M18-34 and 4.3 in the M18-49. Thus the Kimbo Effect is in full effect. It remains to be seen whether the ratings will dip down to the 1.0 mark that TUF 9 experienced throughout much of the season, but it probably wouldn’t surprise anyone.
The promised format change for this season was more of a slight tweak, and won’t do much to add any sort of drama or consistent interest boost to the show. However, it does appear as though Zuffa has changed its promotional strategy with regard to the show: mum’s the word where TUF is concerned (that shouldn’t have rhymed). Dana, Tito, and Chuck have all be uncharacteristically quiet when it comes to talking about the show; other than to say, of course, it’s (really) crazy!!
I’m skeptical as to whether that approach will work, and ultimately I’m still an advocate for a total overhaul of the show. However, it seems as though Dana and Zuffa are intent to ride TUF into new markets, which might make them reluctant to make any major changes now.