Gregor Gillespie

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. He also competed briefly in freestyle wrestling.

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.

He continued wrestling for Edinboro University, where he was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American and won a national championship in 2007. 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. 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.

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. 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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gillespie was expected to face Brad Riddell on March 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 21. However, the bout was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols in the day of the event. Instead, Gillespie faced No-Gi Jiu Jitsu World medalist Carlos Diego Ferreira on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24. 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. 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. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

In May 2022, it was reported that Gillespie was removed from UFC roster. 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.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

• Ring of Combat ROC Regional Lightweight Championship (One time)
• Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Jason Gonzalez and Carlos Diego Ferreira Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Andrew Holbrook and Vinc Pichel

Folkstyle 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 record

NCAA record

Stats

See also

• List of male mixed martial artists

External links

• at UFC
• from Sherdog