DVR viewing pushes record-setting "TUF 10" episode to 5.7 million viewers

Dann Stupp, MMAjunkie.com Nov 3, 3:37 pm EST

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The audience for the record-setting third episode of "The Ultimate Fighter 10," which featured the highly promoted opening-round matchup between former IFL champion Roy Nelson and past EliteXC headliner Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, has grown even larger.

While the audience was initially announced as 5.3 million viewers, DVR viewing (referred to as "Live+7 Day data") pushed the number even higher, Spike TV officials today announced.

An eight percent increase for the Sept. 30 episode has pushed the total audience to 5.7 million viewers.

The previous record for a "TUF" episode was set in 2006 by the "TUF 3" debut, which scored 2.8 million viewers. However, that number was shattered by the "TUF 10" debut in September when 4.1 million viewers tuned in for the highly publicized season opener. (DVR viewing eventually pushed that number to 4.5 million viewers.)

The record-setting third episode peaked with 6.1 viewers for the final 15 minutes of the 60-minute show (7.25 million with DVR viewing). Nelson topped Ferguson via TKO in that episode.

No episode of "TUF 10" had dipped below 2.8 million viewers until last week, when episode No. 7 drew just 2.5 million viewers.

The full ratings for "TUF 10" (not including DVR viewing) include:

For more on the show, including episode recaps and cast member Brendan Schaub's exclusive blogs, check out the "The Ultimate Fighter 10" section of the site.

(Pictured: Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson)

Check out more UFC News at MMAjunkie.com. This story originally appeared on MMAjunkie.com and is syndicated on Yahoo! Sports as part of a content-partnership deal between the two sites.

Updated Nov 3, 3:37 pm EST
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16 Comments

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  1. Lord Ross
    16. Posted by Lord Ross Fri Nov 6 7:28am EST

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    Now that Kimbo is gone, the ratings will tank because the action and talent level has been HORRIBLE. It's a damn shame that millions of people are watching TUF for the first time, only to see two guys gas out within the first 2-3 minutes of the first round.
  2. Michael C
    15. Posted by Michael C Thu Nov 5 3:06am EST

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    #13, totally agree. Also how many episodes has it been that you see him cheering and hoping that one of these guys hes trains with everyday gets hurt.
  3. bassplayer98
    14. Posted by bassplayer98 Thu Nov 5 12:24am EST

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    I just watched the big baby/wessel fight. Marcus Jones has got his head on so straight its ridiculous, no ego, no BS, works hard and is very respectfull of everyone, Hats off to you marcus, I hope you get the contract.
  4. david
    13. Posted by david Wed Nov 4 11:10pm EST

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    I luv MMA as much as the next and i know its all about ratings but everytime someone has gotten hurt on TUF10 the only person they mention to replace is KIMBO how bout the other guys they gone through every step also just be fair to everyone on the show
  5. Tattooed D
    12. Posted by Tattooed D Wed Nov 4 1:02pm EST

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    Yeah this season has by far had the worst fights I've seen on any season. Kimbo vs Neslon was a complete joke of a fight. Even Herb Dean was disgusted and mad that he had to stop it. If this is the talent crop the UFC is putting in its heavyweight division, both Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin will be on top of that division for a long time to come. Last week's promise of "the best fight in Ultimate Fighter history" was a joke when Scott Junk gassed 3 minutes into the fight.
  6. <i>starbuck733</i>
    11. Posted by starbuck733 Wed Nov 4 11:45am EST

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    Get some real fights before Strikeforce takes over? Wow, you might be the stupidest poster in the history of the internets. Seriously Strikeforce is a nice little regional promotion and they're taking their shot with some interesting fights, but in no way are they even coming close to challenging the calibre product that the UFC puts together on a month by month basis. This season is doing good ratings because people in the United States have always been interested in the Heavyweight division, and because of the presence of someone like Kimbo. I'm really interested to see how Marcus does in his fight, the guy looks like a monster and has the athletic pedigree to be a force. I expect to see Kimbo fight again before this season is over. Otherwise I'm guessing that a lot of the smaller heavys from Rashad's team will ultimately cut down to lightheavyweight following the season, and other then Kimbo and the winner the UFC will hand out a handful of provisional contracts. Most of these guys are bums, then again the UFC, Strikeforce, Dream, and Sen@#$%u have already picked over most the quality heavyweights out there!
  7. David
    10. Posted by David Wed Nov 4 8:13am EST

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    Problem is, this season is built on a weaker division of fighters and only a handful of fighters have shown ANY kind of skill level, I cover a lot of smaller shows in my area for my website and I don't see guys gass this badly and they are fighting for MUCH less than the 5K stoppage bonus, much LESS a 6 figure 9 fight deal.

    I think the not fighting to get in is part of it, and the fact that they want "personalities" instead of fighters is the worst part of it.

    www.informativesports.com/
  8. appalachian state university
    9. Posted by appalachian state university Wed Nov 4 2:15am EST

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    Ramage kicks ass.
  9. <i>jayyolf1</i>
    8. Posted by jayyolf1 Wed Nov 4 1:16am EST

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    Nice numbers.......now try putting on some real fights before Strikeforce takes over
  10. Aleks
    7. Posted by Aleks Wed Nov 4 12:50am EST

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    This season has been a huge dissapointment. The main reason people were watching was cuz of Kimbo. All the fights have been embarassing. None of those guys are in good shape except for Kimbo. They fight for the first 3 min and are winded the rest of the fight. TUF 10 is a joke whoever wins is just gonna get there ass kicked in the UFC.
  11. blahhhh
    6. Posted by blahhhh Tue Nov 3 9:49pm EST

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    shogun won.
  12. Ben
    5. Posted by Ben Tue Nov 3 9:23pm EST

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    go kimbo, get that chedda @#$%es!
  13. T.R.
    4. Posted by T.R. Tue Nov 3 7:26pm EST

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    I think that if it wasnt for Kimbo they wouldnt even have this many viewers. And that fact that Dana white is a Benedict Arnold because he talked so much trash about Kimbo then puts him on the show and guarentees a contract for him win or lose. Dana White is a friggin Prick and I hope Kimbo proves him wrong. Kimbo is the modern day rocky!!! Street thug turned Champ!!! GO KIMBO!!!
  14. MrJM
    3. Posted by MrJM Tue Nov 3 7:18pm EST

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    That record-setting audience MUST mean that "The Ultimate Fighter 10" is the BEST SEASON EVER!!1!

    /snark

    -- MrJM
  15. <i>crujones005</i>
    2. Posted by crujones005 Tue Nov 3 7:14pm EST

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    So true. These guys are absolute bums. None of them belong in the UFC. You know it is bad when the best fighter on the show is named "Titties".

    Rampage is the worst coach in history, by the way. How did the UFC ever let him coach again? The fact that he's not fighting Evans is bs. I would really like to see that fight now. I can't wait to see him butcher the A-Team though, ugh. They should change his character's name to B.S. Baracass, because Rampage is Bull @#$%!!!
  16. Brickhausen
    1. Posted by Brickhausen Tue Nov 3 6:56pm EST

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    Great numbers, but the season is one of the worst ever and it looks like people are catching on.
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