Gregor Gillespie


Gregor Gillespie 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 June 23, 2020, he is #12 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

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. He was the first true freshman All-American in school history, and also holds the school record for most career wins, most wins as a freshman, and highest winning percentage. 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. 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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Gillespie signed with the UFC after compiling an undefeated record of 7–0 on the regional scene in New Jersey.
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. 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. 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.

Championships and accomplishments

[Collegiate wrestling]

NCAA record

! colspan="8"| NCAA Championships Matches
! Res.
! Record
! Opponent
! Score
! Date
! Event
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2009 NCAA Championships 4th at 157 lbs
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2008 NCAA Championships 5th at 157 lbs
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2007 NCAA Championships at 149 lbs
! style=background:white colspan=6 |2006 NCAA Championships 7th at 149 lbs