Gregor Gillespie

Gregor Volz Gillespie (born March 18, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and graduated collegiate wrestler who currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

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.

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 (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.

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.

A professional since 2012, he formerly competed for Ring of Combat where he was the Lightweight Champion.

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.

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.

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