29% Ratings Drop For Second Episode of 'TUF 10'

Sherdog.com reports that this weeks past episode of TUF 10 saw a 29% drop in ratings. However, even with what seems like a staggering drop in ratings, the episode still managed to net 2.9 million viewers (2.2 rating) making it the top-rated show in its timeslot for Men 18-34. It also managed to beat (by only a hair's breath, mind you) the live finale of "The Ultimate Fighter 3" in 2006 which was the previous record holder at 2.8 million viewers.

Despite the drop from the season opener, which had to have been expected to a certain degree, Spike executives must be very happy with these numbers. I'm sure they are expecting similarly fantastic numbers during next weeks episode which features the first fight for Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, who is one of the main reasons for such impressive numbers for the recently struggling show. (The heated rivalry between coaches Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans also being a big draw for this season.) The fact that Kimbo's opponent, Roy "Big Country" Nelson has been touted as the man most likely to "win it all" makes it an even more intriguing fight for both casuals and hardcores alike.

We've already seen that Team Rashad has had their hands full with the veteran fighter and it appears that Roy Nelson is having a hard time being a coach-able student. Will his stubbornness be his downfall and give Kimbo the opportunity to surprise the MMA community by defeating the former IFL Heavyweight Champion? Or will the experience of "Big Country" be too much for the famed street brawler turned MMA fighter?