UFC programming continues to help FUEL TV set viewership records

The summer ratings heat wave continues at FUEL TV, as the network recorded its highest peak audience and most-watched Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) Prelims ever in the month of August, according to Nielsen Media Research.

FUEL TV’s ratings have outperformed the corresponding week in 2011 for 35 weeks and eight months straight since the beginning of the year according to a press release from the network.

FUEL TV aired 408 hours of UFC programming which was the second most of all time in the month of August, which had a 50% increase of total viewers compared to August 2011, and 150% increase in the coveted male 18-49 demographic. Below are some of the other highlights from August programming:

·       Prime time finished up +157% in Total Viewers and +189% in M18-49 vs. August 2011;

·        Live UFC Prelims on FUEL TV on Saturday, August 4 was the network’s most-watched prelims ever with 194,000 Total Viewers;

·       On August 4, the UFC Prelims on FUEL TV viewership peaked from 7:45 PM ET – 8:00 PM ET with 328,000 Total Viewers, the network’s largest peak ever;

·       It was the network’s second most-watched show among M18-49 and fifth most-watched program of all time;

·       On August 4, the UFC Prelims on FUEL TV contributed to the network’s most-watched Saturday prime on both Total Viewers and M18-49;

·       August 4 was the network’s second most-watched Saturday among M18-49 and third most-watched Saturday on Total Viewers;

·       For the first eight months of 2012, prime time viewership is +164% vs. 2011;

George Greenberg, Executive Vice President and General Manager, FUEL TV commented on the news:

“It’s been exciting to see eight consecutive months of incredible ratings growth at FUEL TV. We’re thrilled with our partnership with the UFC and the power its programming has to attract huge and loyal audiences on a daily basis. With more live fights coming up in September and through the end of the year, we’re confident our viewership growth will continue.”

UFC content airing on FUEL TV in September will consist of the live weigh-in’s for UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort as well as the post-fight show. Also, FUEL TV will air the weigh-in’s, pre-fight, fight night, and post-fight shows for the UFC on FUEL TV: Miocic vs. Struve event that will take place on September 29th. It’s important to note that FUEL TV is only available in just over 30 million homes and UFC programming will hopefully play a huge role in the network expanding distribution into more homes in the future.

Stay close to ProMMAnow (www.prommanow.com) for more analysis and commentary as information becomes available.