Jackson-Evans ‘Primetime’ Debut Nets 1.2 Million Viewers

The relentless bickering between “Ultimate Fighter 10” coaches Rashad Evans and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has proven to be a draw for Spike TV.

“UFC Primetime: Rampage vs. Evans ” garnered a record-high 1.2 million average viewers (0.9 overall rating) for its first episode Wednesday, according to the cable network.

The three-part series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation of both former light heavyweight champions as they ready for their previously postponed bout at UFC 114 UFC 114 on May 29 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Jackson and Evans had previously been scheduled to face off at UFC 107 on Dec. 12 in Memphis, Tenn., to culminate their turns as rival coaches on Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter 10” this past fall. However, Jackson bowed out of the matchup to take a lead role as “B.A. Baracus” in the major motion picture “The A-Team,” which will get a wide release in theatres on June 11.

Past “Primetime” series documented St. Pierre’s two title defenses against former UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn and Dan Hardy. “St.Pierre-Penn” drew an average audience of 880,000 viewers in its debut episode, while “St. Pierre-Hardy” notched 1 million viewers in its first installment.

“UFC Primetime” will air two additional episodes on May 17 and May 24 at 11:00 p.m. EST/PST.