Vanderaa was born in Washington but moved around a lot with his mother in pursuit of opportunities, eventually settling in California.[7] Vanderaa started training MMA in February 2010, right after wrestling season, and had his amateur first fight in October 2010. He started wrestling at 15, a sophomore in high school and then dislocated his shoulder right at the end of the season. He got it fixed and joined an MMA gym immediately after, beginning his MMA journey.[8] He attended California Baptist University but dropped out after a couple of days.[9]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Vanderaa competed as an amateur from 2012 to 2015, in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. He compiled a record of 5–4.[10] In his professional debut, he submitted John Rizzo via rear-naked choke in the first round. Vanderaa defeated his next four foes all by stoppages. Vanderaa faced Richard Odoms at LFA 15 for the LFA Heavyweight Championship on June 30, 2017. He lost the bout via kimura in the 5th round.[11]
After losing a short notice bout via unanimous decision to Vernon Lewis at LFA 35,[13] Vanderaa defeated Elvis Moyo via TKO in the second round at EFC 73. Vanderaa then defeated UFC veteran Ruan Potts via TKO in round two at EFC 76, winning the EFC Heavyweight Championship.[14] At EFC 77, Vanderaa defended the title, defeating Ricky Mischolas via TKO in the second round. At LFA 74, Vanderaa lost to Renan Ferreira via triangle choke submission in the second round.[15] He rebounded, defeating Tony Lopez via unanimous decision at SMASH Global 9, winning the Smash Global Heavyweight Championship.[16]
Vanderaa was scheduled to face Serghei Spivac on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256[18] However, Vanderaa tested positive for COVID-19 during fight week and had to withdraw.[19] The pair eventually met on February 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 185.[20] Vanderaa lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[21]
Vanderaa was scheduled to face Azamat Murzakanov, replacing Philipe Lins on December 4, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 31.[27] However, shortly after the weigh-ins, officials announced that the bout had been canceled due to Vanderaa not being medically cleared.[28]
Vanderaa faced Andrei Arlovski on February 12, 2022, at UFC 271.[29] He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision.[30]
As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Vanderaa faced Waldo Cortes-Acosta on October 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 213.[35][5] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[36]
After five straight losses, Vanderaa was released by the UFC in December 2022.[37]
Post-UFC career
As the first bout of his post-UFC tenure Vanderaa faced Nick Costello at Gladiator Challenge – Proving Ground on March 4, 2023. He won the bout via first-minute submission.[10]
He then made his light heavyweight debut against Chuck Campbell at Lights Out Fighting 10 on August 26, 2023, losing via third-round knockout.[38]
Vanderaa next faced the undefeated Kent Mafileo at Fierce FC 30 on February 10, 2024. He would win the bout via second round submission.[39]
Vanderaa would then face Eric Iman at Fierce FC 32 on May 31, 2024. He would win the bout via first round submission.[40]
Vanderaa would next face Alexey Kiser at LXF 17 on June 15, 2024. He would win the fight via first round technical knockout extending his win streak to three.[41]
Personal life
Vanderaa and his fiancée Lauren have two daughters, born in 2017 and 2021.[42]
Vanderaa and his fiancée own the Team Quest gym in Hemet, which is the successor of PrimeTime MMA where Jared began his career.[3][43]
