JJ Aldrich Bio
JJ Aldrich (born September 29, 1992) is an American mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division. She is signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and has previously fought for Invicta FC. Aldrich is recognized for her resilience and skill, currently ranked #14 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings as of mid-2025.
Early Life and Background
Born in Denver, Colorado, JJ Aldrich grew up in challenging circumstances, living in homeless shelters with her mother and older sister. Her father was incarcerated before her birth. Eventually, her mother established a childcare business, enabling the family to move out of the shelter. At age nine, Aldrich began taekwondo classes at a local recreation center, earning her black belt by thirteen. Her early martial arts training laid the foundation for her future MMA career. Aldrich is of Irish ancestry and continues to reside in Denver.
Path to MMA
Aldrich’s taekwondo instructors introduced her to mixed martial arts training at the 303 Training Center, where she began honing her MMA skills. She started competing as an amateur in 2010, capturing several titles and facing future UFC fighters such as Raquel Pennington and Kailin Curran. Her amateur success paved the way for her professional debut in 2014. Aldrich initially competed in the Strawweight division before moving to Flyweight in 2016, where she currently competes.
JJ Aldrich Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
JJ Aldrich made her professional MMA debut on September 6, 2014, at Invicta FC 8, winning by unanimous decision. She faced ups and downs early on, including a submission loss to Jamie Moyle in 2015. Aldrich earned her first knockout victory against Rosa Acevedo later that year, which also earned her a Performance of the Night bonus. She continued to build her record fighting in Invicta FC and other promotions, showcasing her evolving skill set.
Invicta FC and UFC Breakthrough (2016–Present)
Aldrich returned to Invicta FC in late 2016, defeating Lynn Alvarez by unanimous decision and earning another Performance of the Night bonus. That same year, she signed with the UFC and debuted as a late replacement against Juliana Lima, losing by unanimous decision. She rebounded with wins over Chan-Mi Jeon, Danielle Taylor, and Polyana Viana, establishing herself as a competitive force in the UFC Flyweight division.
Throughout her UFC tenure, Aldrich has faced top contenders like Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield, experiencing both victories and setbacks. She is known for her technical striking and grappling, holding a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Aldrich trains with the Elevation Fight Team and continues to develop her craft.
Driving Style and Strengths
JJ Aldrich is recognized for her precise striking and solid grappling abilities. Her taekwondo background contributes to her dynamic kicking techniques, while her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills allow her to be effective on the ground. She adapts her strategy well during fights and maintains strong conditioning, making her a versatile competitor in the Flyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Aldrich’s first professional knockout and multiple Performance of the Night bonuses highlight her career. Her transition from Strawweight to Flyweight marked a significant step, allowing her to compete more effectively at the highest level. She has faced several top-ranked opponents and remains a consistent presence in the UFC women’s rankings.
JJ Aldrich Career Wins
JJ Aldrich has accumulated 14 professional wins out of 21 fights, including victories by decision, knockout, and submission. Her career showcases a balance of technical skill and determination across multiple organizations.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2016, Aldrich has secured numerous wins, including unanimous decision victories over Danielle Taylor, Polyana Viana, and Lauren Mueller. Her most recent notable win came in August 2023 with a technical knockout via ground and pound. Aldrich has competed in several main and co-main events, consistently demonstrating her competitiveness in the Flyweight division.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the UFC, Aldrich earned key wins in Invicta FC, including a first-round knockout and multiple unanimous decision victories. She also competed successfully in Freestyle Cage Fighting, where she scored a first-round technical knockout. These performances helped establish her reputation and facilitated her move to the UFC.
JJ Aldrich Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Aldrich was raised by a single mother in Denver, Colorado, alongside her older sister. Her father was incarcerated before her birth. Despite early hardships, her family supported her pursuit of martial arts, which became a central part of her life and career.
Personal Life
JJ Aldrich currently resides in Denver, Colorado. There are no publicly verified details about her marital status or children. She remains focused on her MMA career and training with the Elevation Fight Team.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, JJ Aldrich continues to compete actively in the UFC Flyweight division. She secured a unanimous decision win against Andrea Lee in March 2025, demonstrating her ongoing competitiveness. Aldrich was scheduled to fight Karine Silva in August 2025 but withdrew for undisclosed reasons. She remains a key fighter for the Elevation Fight Team, aiming to climb the rankings and secure higher-profile bouts. Her experience and skill set position her as a persistent contender in the division’s evolving landscape.