Gillespie looks to remain undefeated at UFC Pittsburgh

Sep 24, 2016; Brasilia, Brazil; Glaico Franca (red gloves) vs. Gregor Gillespie (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Nilson Nelson Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

In a sport where there are fast rises to the top, and some that never get their big break, its hard to find balance. In the case of undefeated UFC lightweight Gregor Gillespie, he’s making sure his rise is steady and smart.

“I think it’s silly some times when I see these guys that are on their second fight in the UFC and maybe they had a close fight their first fight and then they jump right in and get an opportunity to fight a Top 15 guy,” said Gillespie in an exclusive interview on UFC.com. “They’re like, ‘I’m making my way in!’ That’s such a gamble, especially if you came off a close fight or maybe even a loss. You’re going to fight for your job, too.”

Gillespie, the former Ring of Combat lightweight champion, made his UFC debut one year ago this month. He faced Glaico Franca at UFC Fight Night: Cyborg vs. Lansberg, where he picked up his first win in the octagon via unanimous decision. Going from being the enemy to the hometown favorite, Gillespie earned his second win in spectacular fashion. At UFC 210 in April, the Buffalo-area native earned “Performance of the Night” for his first round KO win over Andrew Holbrook.

Now Saturday night, he looks to advance his perfect record to 10-0 with a win over Jason Gonzalez. Gonzalez also made his debut one year ago this month at UFC 203.

“If you’ve only got one win, you probably shouldn’t be fighting a Top 15 guy yet – not because you’re not capable, but maybe get four fights under your belt first.” Gillespie explained in the exclusive interview with E. Spencer Kyte. “Win four in a row and that way if God forbid you lost, you’re still 4-1 instead of 1-1. I’m not in that position – I’m on two good wins right now – but at the same time, you have to be smart. I think I can beat anyone in the division, but this week, it’s about Saturday night.”

Catch Gillespie vs. Gonzalez in the third bout on the main card kicking off at 10 p.m. EST on Fox Sports 1.