The premiere episode of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER season 9 took place Wednesday night, April 1st, immediately following UFC FIGHT NIGHT 18 on SPIKE TV.

Over the past few seasons, MMA fans have voiced concern the theme of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER series has grown stale. Whether brought about by the hijinx and antics or maybe even a perceived lack of skill of the participants, the MMA community seems to have grown more or less apathetic toward the SPIKE TV series.

Apparently 1.8 million viewers last Wednesday night did not get the memo. That is how many people tuned in to watch the season premiere of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: U.S. vs. U.K. It drew a rating of 1.8 in males 18-49, a 2.1 in males 18-34, and a 2.7 in males 25-34.

According to a press release PRO MMA (promma.info) received today from the UFC, the episode drew its highest rating in Men 18-49 since season 4 (August, 2006) and it was the most watched season premiere since season 5 (April, 2007). The episode also drew more Men 18-34 and 18-49 than anything else on cable in its timeslot (10:15-11:15pm ET/PT), besting all sports competition including the NBA on ESPN.

The U.K. vs. U.S. theme of the season pits Team America, with eight fighters coached by Dan Henderson, against Team Great Britain, with eight fighters coached by Michael Bisping. As has become custom, the two coaches will square off at the end of the season.

Prior to the THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER season 9 premiere, UFC FIGHT NIGHT 18 airing live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee, also did very well, not only attracting the largest in house audience of any UFC FIGHT NIGHT in history but 1.9 million viewers tuned in on SPIKE TV to also win that timeslot.

By:  Jack Bratcher

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