When Fox obtained the rights to UFC in 2011, the network hoped it would do well in the younger demographic. In the two plus years since Fox and UFC made their joint announcement, the network’s ratings for UFC events in 18-49 have fallen steadily since its first event on November 12, 2011.
For Saturday night’s event which was the 9th on Fox, the network was beaten like a drum by all network competition in total viewers. CBS’ primetime lineup of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Frosty Returns and 48 Hours won the night not just in total viewership, but also in the 18-49 category. And while Fox did finish second in the 18-49 demo, network execs have to be concerned about the viewership category.
All of the fare on broadcast except for UFC and 48 Hours were repeats. NBC had Sound of Music which had aired two weeks ago. ABC provided the Great Christmas Light Fight and CMA County Christmas. All of this had more viewers than UFC.
The only good news from last night was that last night’s UFC event did 11% better in 18-49 than Fox’s last MMA event back in July. The next UFC card on Fox is in January and the network hopes it does better than last night.
