LI Native, Ring of Combat Champ to make UFC Debut

Gregor Gillespie (Mozz Manzoor/Chris Jarmus of fightbookmma.com)

Adding to the growing list of Tri-State fighters to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster is lightweight mixed martial artist Gregor Gillespie, who will make his UFC debut against undefeated Joaquim Silva at UFC Fight Night 95 in Brasilia, Brazil on September 24.

Gillespie, the reigning Ring of Combat lightweight champion, is undefeated in his professional career. Six of his seven victories ending in a first round finish, only being taken to decision once, at his last title defense in June.

The four-time collegiate All-American wrestler, who trains out of Bellmore Kickboxing Academy on Long Island, has been a rising prospect in the mixed martial arts community since turning pro in 2014. Bellmore Kickboxing is the home to many high level competitors in combat sports in recent years. Current UFC fighter Gian Villante, former UFC fighter Costas Philippou, Titan FC featherweight champion Andre “The Bull” Harrison and former WBO World Boxing champion Chris Algieri are just a few of the fighters to have trained at Bellmore during their careers.

The UFC led a heavy stream of fight announcements for the Brazil card starting late Wednesday night, including the heavyweight bout between Roy Nelson and Antonio “Big Foot” Silva and a 140-catchweight main event between Cris “Cyborg” and Lina Lansberg.

UFC Fight Night 95 will kick off with the early prelims on UFC Fight Pass before turning over to Fox Sport 1 for the prelims and main card. The official bout order as yet to be released.