Career
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Dempsey played football, and also competed in wrestling growing up as a youngster. He was a two time All-American at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where he also earned a degree in political science. He began training in mixed martial arts part-time as a college student in 2008.
Early career
Dempsey made his debut as an amateur in 2011, winning both fights before turning professional in 2012.
He fought primarily for regional promotions in Western Pennsylvania where he compiled a record of 10 - 1 competing in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions before signing with the UFC on the summer of 2014. Ultimate Fighting Championship
Dempsey made his promotional debut as a short notice replacement against Ilir Latifi on July 19, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 46, filling in for Tom Lawlor.
Latifi effectively used leg kicks to disable his opponent, before finishing him with punches, ending the fight by a first round knockout. Dempsey next faced Eddie Gordon in a middleweight bout on April 18, 2015 at UFC on Fox 15.
Dempsey returned to the light heavyweight division as a short notice replacement to face promotional newcomer Jonathan Wilson on August 8, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 73, filling in for Jared Cannonier.
He lost the fight knockout in the first round. Dempsey faced Scott Askham on February 27, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 84. He lost the fight by knockout in the first round.
