UFC 143 'Prelims' ratings on FX attract 1.3 million viewers, a dramatic increase from UFC 142

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the FX airwaves this past Saturday night (Feb. 4, 2012) by broadcasting a live two-hour "Prelims" special for the UFC 143: "Diaz vs. Condit" event from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

And the ratings are up rather nicely from the first go-round.

The second episode airing on the new network garnered 1.3 million viewers, according to Sherdog.com. That's a dramatic increase from the 880,000 brought in by the UFC 142: "Aldo vs. Mendes" preliminary card broadcast back on Jan. 14.

It would seem the transition period of Spike TV to the FX is coming along rather nicely, and much sooner than expected.

Fans who tuned into the UFC 143 "Prelims" special were treated to four undercard fights ranging from the excellent to the bizarre.

Dustin Poirier continues his rapid ascension through the featherweight ranks with a triangle/armbar submission victory over Max Holloway, who made history in the bout by becoming the youngest active competitor in the promotion.

I'm sure that's helping him cope with getting tapped.

In other action, Edwin Figueroa had his giblets rearranged multiple times by Alex Caceres, so many, in fact, that referee Herb Dean took two points away. Ultimately, Figueroa used the advantage to earn a split decision victory.

Matt Brown picked up an easy rolling victory over Chris Cope in a welterweight showdown while Matt Riddle squeaked by a game Henry Martinez in another 170-pound contest.

For complete UFC 143: "Diaz vs. Condit" results and a complete wrap-up of the entire weekend's action click here.