UFC Fight Night 25: "Shields vs. Ellenberger," which marked the promotion's return to "The Big Easy," reeled in an average audience of 1.8 million viewers on Spike TV, according to figures released from the cable television network earlier today.

The live broadcast peaked with 1.95 million viewers and ranked as the number one program on cable in its timeslot for men aged 18 to 34 and second (behind ESPN College Football) for men 18 to 49.

By comparison, UFC Fight Night 24: "Nogueira vs. Davis" was viewed by an average of 2.2 million fight fans earlier this year, while the UFC Fight Night 23: "Fight for the Troops 2" Spike TV telecast scored an average of 1.85 million viewers back in January.

"Shields vs. Ellenberger," featuring a headlining bout between long-time mixed martial arts veteran Jake Shields and surging welterweight up-and-comer Jake Ellenberger, saw "The Juggernaut" blast his way to a first round victory thanks to a blitzkrieg of powerful strikes.

For complete UFC Fight Night 25 results click here and here.