I asked earlier this week if the UFC on FOX 5 event should draw a big ratings number, and laid out reasons why it should surpass the previous two UFC on FOX events.
Well, it has surpassed them according to the unofficial TVbytheNumbers with an overnight rating of 3.41 million viewers and placed first in the coveted 18-49 demographic.
The UFC on FOX 2 and UFC on FOX 3 events averaged roughly 2.4 millions viewers. These UFC on FOX 5 numbers should improve a bit as the five round main event between Ben Henderson and Nate Diaz ran over the two hour broadcast slot. The final numbers should be finalized sometime in the coming days.
The main event saw Ben Henderson retain his UFC lightweight title by dominating Nate Diaz and winning a unanimous decision. UFC on FOX 5 took place at the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington, and featured a very enthusiastic crowd that cheered the fighters on.
The co-main event saw a changing of the guard when up and comer Alexander Gustafsson bested former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via unanimous decision. Also, Rory MacDonald dominated BJ Penn via unanimous decision and may have forced the MMA legend back into retirement. The opening bout of the night ended with a bang when Matt Brown starched Mike Swick with a left hook-right cross combination to get the TKO win.
Stay tuned to ProMMAnow (www.prommanow.com) for more UFC on FOX 5 news and coverage.