Vanessa Demopoulos to Make UFC Debut on Late Notice

Vanessa Demopoulos is set to make her UFC debut on late notice at UFC Vegas 35 this weekend. Filling in for the injured Tracy Cortez, Demopoulos finally gets her shot in the big leagues. Taking on JJ Aldrich, ‘Lil Monster’ fills in on just over a weeks notice in order to save the fight. UFC Vegas 35 is headlined by Edson Barboza and Giga Chikadze which promises to be a featherweight banger.

Vanessa Demopoulos to Make UFC Debut on Late Notice

‘Lil Monster’, Vanessa Demopoulos will finally make her UFC debut, just over a year since her first shot. She competed on Dana White’s Contender Series back in August 2020. Unfortunately for her, she lost that fight via unanimous decision to Cory McKenna, who has gone on to win her debut in the promotion.

Prior to her contender series shot, Demopoulos captured the LFA strawweight belt and was enjoying an impressive four-fight winning run. On this run, she finished two opponents, including an inverted triangle choke victory in her title fight. Prior to turning professional, Demopoulos had a stellar amateur career, facing names including Katlyn Chookagian and Cheyanne Buys. She’s also fought UFC veterans Sam Hughes and Lupita Godinez in her professional career.

Don’t expect cardio to be an issue for Demopoulos, however. Despite stepping in on short notice, she was preparing for her LFA return this weekend at LFA 114.

Vanessa Demopoulos vs. JJ Aldrich

Vanessa Demopoulos will be taking on five-year UFC veteran and TUF alumni, JJ Aldrich. Aldrich had been a mainstay in the strawweight division before deciding to move up to flyweight in 2019. She holds wins overs Polyana Vianna, Danielle Taylor and most recently and most impressively, Courtney Casey. She was overwhelmed by Maycee Barber as well as suffering a close loss to Sabina Mazo in her flyweight career, however, she’s looked good at the weight. A win here would progress her to 3-2 at 125lbs and put her on the cusp of a top 15 spot.