Even though UFC 229 is a virtual lock to be the biggest pay-per-view in UFC history, the ratings for the prelims on FS 1 did not set records.
The show averaged 1,308,000 viewers, the best number in almost two years. The last show to beat this figure was UFC 207, the Australia show headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm, which did 1,511,000 for the prelims. It was the 11th most-watched prelims in FS 1 history.
Prior to Saturday, the prelims prior to UFC pay-per-views were averaging 732,000 viewers in 2018.