The preliminary ratings for the CBS broadcast of Strikeforce: "Fedor vs. Rogers" returned an estimated 3.79 million viewers for the prime time mixed martial arts event.
The 1.7 rating share for "Saturday Night Fights" was enough to reach number one in several key demographics; however, it did fall short of the high water mark set by YouTube sensation-turned Ultimate Fighter Kimbo Slice, who reached as high as 4.8 million viewers and 3.0 rating share on Elite XC: "Prime Time" back in May 2008.
Still, Strikeforce and CBS can raise those preliminary numbers significantly. The main event of the evening, which the entire Nov. 7 card was based and marketed around, was not included in the estimate because it didn't get underway until 11:01 p.m. and therefore was not counted.
The final numbers that include the two rounds of action from "Fedor vs. Rogers" will be available Tuesday.
Here's a snapshot of the quarterly breakdown, courtesy of TV by the Numbers:
9:00 p.m. – Viewers: 3.50 million (#4), Adults 18-49: 1.5 (#3)
9:30 p.m. – Viewers: 3.53 million (#4), Adults 18-49: 1.6 (#2)
10:00 p.m. – Viewers: 4.12 million (#3), Adults 18-49: 1.9/ 6 (#1)
10:30 p.m. – Viewers: 4.01 million (#3), Adults 18-49: 1.8/ 6 (#1)
Considering this card was promoted exclusively around the main event between Brett Rogers and Fedor Emelianenko, it's not unreasonable to think these numbers could spike for the main event, effectively raising the overall totals like it did for the previous CBS/MMA offering by Elite XC.
Whether or not you classify these numbers as a success or as a failure largely depends on what side of the fence you're on, but considering the top-heavy nature of this card, I would think it falls somewhere in between those two ends of the spectrum.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for the final numbers this Tuesday (Nov. 10). In the meantime, you can get yourself up to speed on all the action from last Saturday here and here.
Get the latest gear
