The Ultimate Fighter finale posted a strong 1.9 rating on Saturday, with the show peaking at 3.3. Considering it didn’t have the precious RAW lead-in, the finale’s strong rating is a testament to the success of the series and will definitely leave Spike TV’s mouth watering in anticipation for the second season.
Although MMA fans have a lot to be proud of, sources who are trying to dismiss WWE’s role in boosting the series are unfortunately incorrect. While the finale’s rating proves the series connected with fans, the fact that WWE RAW helped launch the series cannot be ignored. It was the quality of “Ultimate Fighter” that scored the 1.9 finale rating, but it was the WWE RAW lead-in that gave the show its initial audience.
One could make a strong comparison to the situation with the popular FOX medical drama “House.” Before it received the beloved American Idol lead-in, the show would only draw in the 3-4 rating territory. Once American Idol kicked in, the show began to receive 8s and 9s. It was then that the quality of the series helped it move up to 10-11 territory, with the strong implication that once the American Idol lead-in is removed, the show will still perform well in the ratings. But, just as House fans cannot refrain from offering gratitude to American Idol, UFC still has WWE to thank for its reality show’s success.
