Strikeforce Challengers 18 Nets 181,000 Viewers on Showtime

Sherdog.com confirmed the viewership figure with an industry source on Tuesday, who also confirmed that Challengers 18 earned a household rating of 0.66. The numbers represent a decline following the previous entry in the Challengers series, which drew an average of 232,000 viewers to the premium cable network on July 22.

Headlined by a lightweight confrontation between Jorge Gurgel and Joe Duarte (pictured), Challengers 18 went down Aug. 12 from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Duarte outpointed Gurgel in the main event, taking home a contentious unanimous decision over the UFC veteran.

Women's 145-pound prospect Ronda Rousey looked impressive in her clash with Sarah D'Alelio at the event, though her victory was not without controversy. Referee Steve Mazzagatti stopped the contest early in the first frame after the Olympic judoka locked up a straight armbar on her opponent. However, D'Alelio would adamantly protest the stoppage after the contest, claiming she had not submitted to the hold.

In other action, Nate James, Pat Healy and Derrick Mehmen were also victorious at the event, as they were awarded unanimous decisions over Danillo Villefort, Eric Wisely and Roy Jones, respectively.