UFC on FOX 4 drew an average of 2.44 million viewers in the final ratings tally, according to Nielsen Media Research numbers released through FOX. The original, overnight ratings did not compile an average but noted that the highest ratings from the scheduled 8-10 pm ET block were in the last half-hour, with 2.36 million tuning in.
According to Nielsen, the broadcast — widely lauded as the best so far produced under the new deal — actually peaked in the minutes after 10 pm, with the overrun segment drawing 3.3 million for the main-event match pitting Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Brandon Vera.
Despite finding itself alongside the considerable ratings draw of the Olympics, last Saturday night’s final number was just a tick higher than UFC on FOX 3, which saw an audience of 2.42 million tune in.
One positive note for FOX was that the coveted male 18-34 demographic was up 19 percent from the last event. In addition, the show was also the highest-rated non-Olympic weekly program in the demo.
On the other hand, the final ratings are far below the first two cards offered under the seven-year deal, which drew 5.7 million and 4.7 million viewers, respectively. The four cards have collectively averaged about 3.5 million viewers apiece.
The final UFC on FOX event of the year is scheduled for December 8.