Gregor Gillespie

Gregor Gillespie
Gregor Gillespie at UFC Fight Night 143
Born (1987-11-13) November 13, 1987
Webster, New York, U.S.
Other namesThe Gift
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[1]
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight
Reach71 in (180 cm)
StyleWrestling
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofLong Island, New York, U.S.
TeamLong Island MMA
Bellmore Kickboxing Academy
RankBlue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Joe Scarola and Carlos Rosado[2]
WrestlingNCAA Division I Wrestling[3]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total15
Wins14
By knockout7
By submission5
By decision2
Losses1
By knockout1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Men's collegiate wrestling
Representing the Edinboro Fighting Scots
NCAA Division I Championships
Gold medal – first place2007 Auburn Hills149 lbs
PSAC Championships
Gold medal – first place2006 Slippery Rock149 lbs
Gold medal – first place2008 Mercyhurst157 lbs
Gold medal – first place2009 Edinboro157 lbs
EWL Championships
Gold medal – first place2006 Edinboro149 lbs
Gold medal – first place2007 Cleveland149 lbs
Gold medal – first place2008 Pittsburgh157 lbs
Silver medal – second place2009 Lock Haven157 lbs

Gregor Gillespie (born November 13, 1987) is a former American professional mixed martial artist and graduated collegiate wrestler who competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2012, he formerly competed for Ring of Combat where he was the Lightweight Champion.

As a folkstyle wrestler, Gillespie was the 2007 NCAA Division I National Champion at 149 pounds, a four–time NCAA Division I All–American and a three–time EWL and PSAC conference champion for the Edinboro Fighting Scots.[4] He also competed briefly in freestyle wrestling.[5]

Background

Born and raised in Webster, New York, Gillespie attended Webster Schroeder High School where he was a standout in wrestling, winning two NYSPHSAA state titles.[6]

He continued wrestling for Edinboro University, where he was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American and won a national championship in 2007.[7] 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 graduated from Edinboro with a bachelor's degree in individualized studies and a concentration in psychology.[8][3] 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.[9]

Mixed martial arts

Early career

In 2012, Gillespie was scheduled to make his mixed martial arts debut but suffered a broken arm during a sparring session which caused serious health issues and infections, pushing his debut over to January 2014.[10] After compiling an undefeated 7–0 record with six finishes on the regional scene in New Jersey, Gillespie signed a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[11]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Gillespie made his promotional debut against Glaico Franca on September 24, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 95.[12] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[13]

Gillespie next faced Andrew Holbrook on April 8, 2017, at UFC 210.[14] He won the fight via knockout in the first round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[15][16]

Gillespie faced Jason Gonzalez on September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116.[17] He won the back-and-forth fight via submission in the second round.[18] The win also earned Gillespie his first Fight of the Night bonus award.[19]

Gillespie faced Jordan Rinaldi on January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2.[20] He won the fight via technical knock out.[21]

Gillespie faced Vinc Pichel on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131.[22] Gillespie won via arm-triangle choke in the second round.[23] This win earned him Performance of the Night award.[24]

Gillespie faced Yancy Medeiros on January 19, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Dillashaw.[25] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.[26]

Gillespie faced Kevin Lee on November 2, 2019, at UFC 244.[27] He lost the fight via knockout in round one, marking his first professional defeat. [28]

Gillespie was expected to face Brad Riddell on March 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 21.[29] However, the bout was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols in the day of the event.[30] Instead, Gillespie faced No-Gi Jiu Jitsu World medalist Carlos Diego Ferreira on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24.[31] At the weigh–ins, Ferreira weighed in at 160.5 pounds, four and a half pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit and was fined 30% of his purse, which went to Gillespie.[32] After a back-and-forth first round, where Gillespie appeared to fatigue, he was able to keep composure and rallied, winning the fight via TKO in round two.[33][34] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[35]

In May 2022, it was reported that Gillespie was removed from UFC roster.[36] After the report, Gillespie posted on social media that he had wanted to fight above the rankings and that many bouts failed to come together.[36]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Folkstyle wrestling

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
15 matches 14 wins 1 loss
By knockout 7 1
By submission 5 0
By decision 2 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 14–1 Carlos Diego Ferreira TKO (elbows and punches) UFC on ESPN: Rodriguez vs. Waterson May 8, 2021 2 4:51 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (160.5 lb) bout; Ferreira missed weight. Fight of the Night.
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

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Stats | UFC".
  2. ↑ @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". Retrieved June 6, 2021 – via Instagram.
  3. 1 2 "Gregor Gillespie | UFC". UFC.com. September 14, 2018. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Gregor Gillespie Wrestling Training". longislandwrestling.org. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  5. ↑ Doctor, Urgent (October 11, 2012). "Gregor Gillespie 'Faced The Demons' and is Getting Ready For MMA Stardom". New York Wrestling News 2012-2013 Archive. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  6. ↑ NYS_Wrestling_History.pdf. nysphsaa.org. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
  7. ↑ Gallo, Ed (November 1, 2019). "Wrestling for MMA: Gregor Gillespie". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Gregor Gillespie Wrestling Training".
  9. ↑ Steven Marrocco (January 18, 2019). "How a Frankie Edgar fight foreshadowed Gregor Gillespie's MMA career". mmajunkie.com.
  10. ↑ "LI's Gillespie excited to begin MMA career". Newsday. Archived from the original on March 16, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  11. ↑ Zane Simon (September 21, 2016). "Welcome to the UFC Gregor Gillespie". bloodyelbow.com. Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  12. ↑ Ryan Gerbosi (August 4, 2016). "LI's Gregor Gillespie to make UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 95 in September". newsday.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  13. ↑ Steven Marrocco (September 24, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 95 results: Gregor Gillespie stays unbeaten, dominates Glaico Franca in UFC debut". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  14. ↑ Staff (February 22, 2017). "Gregor Gillespie vs. Andrew Holbrook booked for UFC 210 in Buffalo". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  15. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (April 8, 2017). "UFC 210 results: Gregor Gillespie knocks out Andrew Holbrook in 21 seconds to stay undefeated". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  16. 1 2 Tristen Critchfield (April 8, 2017). "UFC 210 Bonuses: Oliveira, Burgos, Rosa, Gillespie receive $50K Awards". sherdog.com. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  17. ↑ Staff (August 12, 2017). "Gregor Gillespie vs. Jason Gonzalez added to UFC Fight Night 116 in Pittsburgh". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  18. ↑ "UFC-Pittsburgh results: Gregor Gillespie taps out Jason Gonzalez in absolute barnburner". MMAjunkie. September 17, 2017. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  19. ↑ Mazique, Brian. "UFC Fight Night 116 Results, Bonus Winners, Fight Scores, Highlights, Attendance & Gate Info". Forbes. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  20. ↑ "UFC adds 3 bouts to stacked Fight Night Charlotte card; tickets go on sale Friday". charlotteobserver. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  21. ↑ "UFC on FOX 27 results: Gregor Gillespie pounds out Jordan Rinaldi for first-round TKO". MMAjunkie. January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  22. ↑ Staff (February 28, 2018). "Gregor Gillespie vs. Vinc Pichel added to UFC's 'Fight Night' event in Utica, N.Y." mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  23. 1 2 "UFC Fight Night 131 results: Gregor Gillespie stays perfect, taps Vinc Pichel in second". MMAjunkie. June 2, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  24. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 131 bonuses: You know Marlon Moraes won $50,000 for that KO". MMAjunkie. June 2, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  25. ↑ Mark La Monica (December 20, 2018). "Gregor Gillespie to face Yancy Medeiros at UFC Brooklyn". newsday.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  26. ↑ Dave Doyle (January 19, 2019). "UFC Brooklyn results: Gregor Gillespie finishes Yancy Medeiros in final second of round two". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved January 21, 2019.
  27. ↑ Farah Hannoun (September 30, 2019). "Kevin Lee vs. Gregor Gillespie targeted for UFC 244 in New York". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  28. ↑ Richardson, Andrew (November 2, 2019). "Lee Knocks Gillespie Out With Huge High Kick!". MMAmania.com. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
  29. ↑ Marvin France (February 19, 2021). "Brad Riddell again left frustrated by MIQ voucher system after booking big UFC bout". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  30. ↑ Mike Bohn (March 20, 2021). "COVID-19 protocols cause Gregor Gillespie vs. Brad Riddell scratch from UFC on ESPN 21". mma fighting.com. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  31. ↑ A Brett Okamoto (April 13, 2019). "Sources: Diego Ferreira-Gregor Gillespie bout added to UFC Fight Night card on May 8". espn.com. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  32. ↑ Alexander K. Lee (May 7, 2021). "UFC Vegas 26 weigh-in results: Marina Rodriguez, Michelle Waterson make weight for headliner, two other fights cancelled". mmafighting.com. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  33. ↑ Doherty, Dan (May 8, 2021). "UFC Vegas 26 Results: Gregor Gillespie Digs Deep, Stops Diego Ferreira". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  34. ↑ Bonada, Author Frank (May 9, 2021). "Gregor Gillespie Gets The Ground & Pound Finish Over Diego Ferreira - UFC Vegas 26 Results (Highlights)". MiddleEasy. Retrieved May 9, 2021. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  35. 1 2 "UFC on ESPN 24 bonuses: Gregor Gillespie gets $100,000 because Diego Ferreira missed weight". MMA Junkie. May 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  36. 1 2 Matthew Wells (May 15, 2022). "'I'm not f*cking going anywhere': Gregor Gillespie assures UFC roster spot, explains recent inactivity". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  37. ↑ "Ring of Combat 51 | Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat | Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!". Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  38. ↑ Mazique, Brian. "UFC Fight Night 116 Results, Bonus Winners, Fight Scores, Highlights, Attendance & Gate Info". Forbes. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  39. 1 2 3 4 Gallo, Ed (November 1, 2019). "Wrestling for MMA: Gregor Gillespie". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
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