JJ Aldrich vs. Vanessa Demopolous Odds, Preview and Prediction, (August 28): UFC

Credit: photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

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Preview

The Women’s Strawweight division takes center stage, as JJ Aldrich and Vanessa Demopolous throw down. Aldrich enters this fight off a split decision victory over Courtney Casey. The win marked her fifth in seven tries in the UFC. Meanwhile, Vanessa Demopolous will be making her UFC debut. A strawweight at heart, Demopolous takes this fight at Flyweight, ten pounds up. Demopolous enters this fight off a victory, one in which she stopped her opponent in a mere 36 seconds.

Prediction

A former Strawweight, JJ Aldrich has yet to replicate her success now at Flyweight. However, in Aldrich’s most recent win over Courtney Casey, she showed off wrestling abilities that she previously lacked. Aldrich landed four takedowns, which boosted her takedown accuracy from 25% to 40%. If Aldrich can add wrestling to her already solid striking abilities, it's hard not to see more success coming her way. From the tape I’ve seen on Demopolous, she is aggressive and a creative grappler. Not afraid to jump to guard, Demopolous looks for ways to sweep opponents or lock in submissions.

As for a prediction, I’ve got Aldrich winning. Demopolous is at such a disadvantage here. Not only is she entering this fight on short notice and up a weight class, but Aldrich holds a three inch height and eight inch reach advantage. Given Aldrich is a solid striker, I really don’t see how Demopolous will have any success on the feet. In my opinion, other than a hail mary submission from Demopolous, Aldrich should dominate this fight. Let’s say via decision.

PICK: JJ Aldrich (-360)

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