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Monday, Dec 10, 2012

Full Contact Fighter’s “The Daily Takedown:” After Mid-Year Slump, UFC TV Ratings Ending 2012 on a High Note

UFC on FOX 5 main event winner and lightweight champ Ben Henderson

By Joshua Molina

Early estimates show that the UFC on Fox 5 drew stronger ratings than the last two shows.

With an average of 3.4 million viewers, the show was No. 1 among 18-34-year-olds, a coveted market for advertisers.

The show, which ran 45 minutes over its 10 p.m. ending may have done even better, had it not gone up against the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fight, which ended in a stunning KO victory for Marquez.

The Fox show, according to early overnight ratings numbers drew 3.4 million viewers, second only overall to CBS’ broadcast of “Frosty the Snowman.”

Two stars emerged from Saturday’s Fox show — Rory MacDonald and Alexander Gustaffson.

Gustaffson may actually replace Dan Henderson against Lyoto Machida, Feb. 23 in Anaheim, California.

Henderson’s knee is apparently not ready yet. UFC president Dana White hasn’t made the switch yet, but the buzz that Henderson won’t be able to go is strong.

The lanky Gustaffson managed to sneak out of some scary submission attempts against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua en route to defeating Rua by unanimous decision.

The tall Swede possesses remarkable agility. If he can avoid his opponents’ attempts to latch on to his long limbs, like did against Rua, he could make a fight against Jon Jones competitive.

MacDonald, 23, had his way with BJ Penn, likely sending the one-time star into retirement.

MacDonald danced and taunted Penn during the fight. While it may have been slightly disrespectful, it was nice to see MacDonald show some personality in the cage.

MacDonald has the potential to be a huge crossover star, but he his work on the microphone makes the WWE’s Ryback lool like Chael Sonnen.

So let him have a little fun. If Penn wants to hang with the young boys, he better not expect special treatment.

Speaking of Penn, with that performance MacDonald would have crushed a lot of guys Saturday night.

Penn deserves credit for staying on his feet, even after those wicked body punches.

Penn can still fight and hang with the best, if he chooses to come back.

 

posted by JoshuaM @ 7:41 pm
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