On the biggest night of free fights all year, Spike TV set a network record for ratings with the season premiere of The Ultimate Fighter, shattering the previous record.
At 4.1 million viewers, the premiere became the most-watched original program ever on Spike. The show also nabbed 3.2 million 'Persons 18-49,' showing an interest from the women’s side as well the men. This is an obvious indication that Wes Sims’ highlights are an irresistible and powerful force. One can only hope he can handle the great responsibility that comes with it.
Leading into the premiere, Fight Night 19 also delivered and came in as the second-ranked Fight Night ever on Spike with 2.5 million viewers. Anderson Silva’s UFC debut at Fight Night 14 is still the leader in the FN category but these numbers are an encouraging indication that this UFC thing aint goin nowhere.
The Ultimate Fighter beat out every other show on Wednesday night, including The Jay Leno Show, So You Think You Can Dance and Glee. Spike President Kevin Kay said, “The intriguing cast of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights has true mass appeal, and the numbers show that this sport is not just for a niche audience anymore.”
