Gregor Gillespie
Gregor Gillespie (born March 18, 1987) is an American former collegiate wrestler and professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2012, he formerly competed for Ring of Combat where he was the Lightweight Champion. As of January 25, 2021, he is #15 in the UFC lightweight rankings.[3]
Gregor Gillespie | ||||||||||||||
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Gregor Gillespie at UFC Fight Night 143 | ||||||||||||||
Born | Webster, New York, United States | March 18, 1987|||||||||||||
Other names | The Gift | |||||||||||||
Residence | Long Island, New York, United States | |||||||||||||
Nationality | American | |||||||||||||
Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[1] | |||||||||||||
Weight | 156 lb (71 kg; 11.1 st) | |||||||||||||
Division | Lightweight | |||||||||||||
Reach | 71 in (180 cm) | |||||||||||||
Stance | Orthodox | |||||||||||||
Fighting out of | Long Island, New York, United States | |||||||||||||
Team | Long Island MMA Bellmore Kickboxing Academy | |||||||||||||
Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Joe Scarola and Carlos Rosado[2] | |||||||||||||
Wrestling | NCAA Division I Wrestling[1] | |||||||||||||
Years active | 2012–present | |||||||||||||
Mixed martial arts record | ||||||||||||||
Total | 14 | |||||||||||||
Wins | 13 | |||||||||||||
By knockout | 6 | |||||||||||||
By submission | 5 | |||||||||||||
By decision | 2 | |||||||||||||
Losses | 1 | |||||||||||||
By knockout | 1 | |||||||||||||
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Background
Born and raised in Webster, New York, Gillespie attended Webster Schroeder High School where he was a standout in wrestling, winning two state titles. He continued wrestling for Edinboro University, where he was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American and won a national championship in 2007.[4] He was the first true freshman All-American in school history, and also holds the school record for most career wins (152), most wins as a freshman (40), and highest winning percentage (.917). Gillespie stated that he ended his wrestling career because he didn't think he could beat Jordan Burroughs. He graduated from Edinboro with a bachelor's degree in individualized studies and a concentration in psychology.[5][1] He was an assistant coach at Hofstra University and as a side gig, taught private lessons to an MMA fighter. Despite having vowed never to fight, he started studying MMA and quit his job in order to pursue a full-time career in the sport.[6]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Gillespie signed with the UFC after compiling an undefeated record of 7–0 on the regional scene in New Jersey.[7]
Gillespie made his promotional debut against Glaico Franca on September 24, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 95.[8] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[9]
Gillespie next faced Andrew Holbrook on April 8, 2017 at UFC 210.[10] He won the fight via knockout in the first round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[11][12]
Gillespie faced Jason Gonzalez on September 16, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 116.[13] He won the back-and-forth fight via submission in the second round.[14] The win also earned Gillespie his first Fight of the Night bonus award.[15]
Gillespie faced Jordan Rinaldi on January 27, 2018 at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2.[16] He won the fight via technical knock out.[17]
Gillespie faced Vinc Pichel on June 1, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 131.[18] Gillespie won via arm-triangle choke in the second round.[19] This win earned him Performance of the Night award.[20]
Gillespie faced Yancy Medeiros on January 19, 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw.[21] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.[22]
Gillespie faced Kevin Lee on November 2, 2019 at UFC 244.[23] He lost the fight via knockout in round one, marking his first professional defeat. [24]
Championships and accomplishments
Collegiate wrestling
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- NCAA Division I 149 lbs - 7th place out of Edinboro University (2006)
- NCAA Division I 149 lbs - 1st place out of Edinboro University (2007)
- NCAA Division I 157 lbs - 5th place out of Edinboro University (2008)
- NCAA Division I 157 lbs - 4th place out of Edinboro University (2009)
Mixed martial arts
- Ring of Combat
- ROC Regional Lightweight Championship (Three times)[25]
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Jason Gonzalez[26]
- Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Andrew Holbrook and Vinc Pichel[19]
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown | ||
14 matches | 13 wins | 1 loss |
By knockout | 6 | 1 |
By submission | 5 | 0 |
By decision | 2 | 0 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 13–1 | Kevin Lee | KO (head kick) | UFC 244 | November 2, 2019 | 1 | 2:47 | New York City, New York, United States | |
Win | 13–0 | Yancy Medeiros | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw | January 19, 2019 | 2 | 4:59 | Brooklyn, New York, United States | |
Win | 12–0 | Vinc Pichel | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC Fight Night: Rivera vs. Moraes | June 1, 2018 | 2 | 4:06 | Utica, New York, United States | Performance of the Night. |
Win | 11–0 | Jordan Rinaldi | TKO (punches) | UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 | January 27, 2018 | 1 | 4:46 | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States | |
Win | 10–0 | Jason Gonzalez | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch | September 16, 2017 | 2 | 2:10 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | Fight of the Night. |
Win | 9–0 | Andrew Holbrook | KO (punches) | UFC 210 | April 8, 2017 | 1 | 0:21 | Buffalo, New York, United States | Performance of the Night. |
Win | 8–0 | Glaico França | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Cyborg vs. Lansberg | September 24, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Brasília, Brazil | |
Win | 7–0 | Sidney Outlaw | Decision (split) | Ring of Combat 55 | June 3, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Defended the ROC Regional Lightweight Championship. |
Win | 6–0 | Jose Mariscal | TKO (punches) | Ring of Combat 54 | March 4, 2016 | 1 | 4:09 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Defended the ROC Regional Lightweight Championship. |
Win | 5–0 | George Sheppard | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Ring of Combat 51 | June 5, 2015 | 1 | 3:45 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Won the vacant ROC Regional Lightweight Championship. |
Win | 4–0 | Justin Stewart | TKO (punches) | Ring of Combat 50 | January 23, 2015 | 1 | 2:51 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 3–0 | Justin Harrington | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Ring of Combat 49 | September 19, 2014 | 1 | 3:21 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 2–0 | Brandon Priest | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Ring of Combat 48 | May 16, 2014 | 2 | 2:37 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
Win | 1–0 | Kenny Gaudreau | TKO (punches) | Ring of Combat 47 | January 24, 2014 | 1 | 1:48 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Lightweight debut. |
NCAA record
NCAA Championships Matches | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Res. | Record | Opponent | Score | Date | Event | ||
2009 NCAA Championships 4th at 157 lbs | |||||||
Loss | 19-6 | Jordan Leen | 0-4 | March 20, 2009 | 2009 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships | ||
Win | 19-5 | Michael Chandler | MD 10-2 | ||||
Loss | 18-5 | Jordan Burroughs | MD 4-12 | ||||
Win | 18-4 | J.P O’Connor | 1-0 | ||||
Win | 17-4 | Jason Welch | 3-2 | ||||
Win | 16-4 | Shane Smith | TF 16-0 | ||||
2008 NCAA Championships 5th at 157 lbs | |||||||
Win | 15-4 | Josh Zupancic | TF 15-0 | March 21, 2008 | 2008 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships | ||
Loss | 14-4 | Dan Vallimont | 1-2 | ||||
Win | 14-3 | Cyler Sanderson | Fall | ||||
Win | 13-3 | Matt Kocher | 1-0 | ||||
Loss | 12-3 | Jordan Leen | 6-8 | ||||
Win | 12-2 | Jason Johnstone | 6-0 | ||||
Win | 11-2 | Spencer Maley | TF 17-0 | ||||
2007 NCAA Championships at 149 lbs | |||||||
Win | 10-2 | Josh Churella | SV 3-1 | March 17, 2007 | 2007 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships | ||
Win | 9-2 | Dustin Schlatter | 3-2 | ||||
Win | 8-2 | Jordan Leen | 6-2 | ||||
Win | 7-2 | Dan Vallimont | MD 10-2 | ||||
Win | 6-2 | Sam Alvarenga | 9-5 | ||||
2006 NCAA Championships 7th at 149 lbs | |||||||
Win | 5-2 | Mark DiSalvo | Fall | March 17, 2006 | 2006 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships | ||
Loss | 4-2 | Jon Masa | 4-11 | ||||
Win | 3-1 | Patrick Simpson | 8-1 | ||||
Loss | 2-1 | Ty Eustice | 4-2 | ||||
Win | 2-0 | Keith Dickey | Fall | ||||
Win | 1-0 | Trevor Chinn | Fall |
References
- "Gregor Gillespie - Official UFC Profile". UFC.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
- gregorthegift (February 14, 2020). "This has been 9 years in the making, I've sacrificed so much to get this piece of cloth ...to all the guys that I've beaten....yes you were actually beaten by a white belt. Thanks to professor @graciebarrajupiter and @graciebarra631nb professor Carlos. #bluebelt #bjj #jiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle". Instagram.
- "Rankings | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
- Gallo, Ed (2019-11-01). "Wrestling for MMA: Gregor Gillespie". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
- http://www.longislandwrestling.org/liwa/ads/GregorGillespie.htm
- Steven Marrocco (January 18, 2019). "How a Frankie Edgar fight foreshadowed Gregor Gillespie's MMA career". mmajunkie.com.
- Zane Simon (2016-09-21). "Welcome to the UFC Gregor Gillespie". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2016-09-21.
- Ryan Gerbosi (2016-08-04). "LI's Gregor Gillespie to make UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 95 in September". newsday.com. Retrieved 2016-08-04.
- Steven Marrocco (2016-09-24). "UFC Fight Night 95 results: Gregor Gillespie stays unbeaten, dominates Glaico Franca in UFC debut". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-24.
- Staff (2017-02-22). "Gregor Gillespie vs. Andrew Holbrook booked for UFC 210 in Buffalo". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
- Ben Fowlkes (2017-04-08). "UFC 210 results: Gregor Gillespie knocks out Andrew Holbrook in 21 seconds to stay undefeated". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-04-08.
- Tristen Critchfield (2017-04-08). "UFC 210 Bonuses: Oliveira, Burgos, Rosa, Gillespie receive $50K Awards". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
- Staff (2017-08-12). "Gregor Gillespie vs. Jason Gonzalez added to UFC Fight Night 116 in Pittsburgh". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-08-12.
- "UFC-Pittsburgh results: Gregor Gillespie taps out Jason Gonzalez in absolute barnburner". MMAjunkie. 2017-09-17. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
- Mazique, Brian. "UFC Fight Night 116 Results, Bonus Winners, Fight Scores, Highlights, Attendance & Gate Info". Forbes. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
- "UFC adds 3 bouts to stacked Fight Night Charlotte card; tickets go on sale Friday". charlotteobserver. Retrieved 2017-12-15.
- "UFC on FOX 27 results: Gregor Gillespie pounds out Jordan Rinaldi for first-round TKO". MMAjunkie. 2018-01-28. Retrieved 2018-01-28.
- Staff (2018-02-28). "Gregor Gillespie vs. Vinc Pichel added to UFC's 'Fight Night' event in Utica, N.Y." mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
- "UFC Fight Night 131 results: Gregor Gillespie stays perfect, taps Vinc Pichel in second". MMAjunkie. 2018-06-02. Retrieved 2018-06-02.
- "UFC Fight Night 131 bonuses: You know Marlon Moraes won $50,000 for that KO". MMAjunkie. 2018-06-02. Retrieved 2018-06-02.
- Mark La Monica (2018-12-20). "Gregor Gillespie to face Yancy Medeiros at UFC Brooklyn". newsday.com. Retrieved 2018-12-20.
- Dave Doyle (2019-01-19). "UFC Brooklyn results: Gregor Gillespie finishes Yancy Medeiros in final second of round two". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
- Farah Hannoun (2019-09-30). "Kevin Lee vs. Gregor Gillespie targeted for UFC 244 in New York". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
- Richardson, Andrew (2019-11-02). "Lee Knocks Gillespie Out With Huge High Kick!". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
- "Ring of Combat 51 | Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat | Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!". Retrieved 2019-02-24.
- Mazique, Brian. "UFC Fight Night 116 Results, Bonus Winners, Fight Scores, Highlights, Attendance & Gate Info". Forbes. Retrieved 2017-09-17.