Gregor Gillespie extends his record to 11-0 in the lightweight division.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gregor Gillespie stayed perfect with a relatively perfect performance, and spoiled Jordan Rinaldi’s home fight in the process.
Gillespie (11-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) pounded out Rinaldi (13-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC) for a first-round TKO. The stoppage came with 14 seconds left in the round.
The lightweight bout was part of the main card of today’s UFC on FOX 27 event at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. It aired on FOX following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.
Gillespie tried to get out to a fast start, but had to duck under a big right kick from Rinaldi. The two traded punches, then Rinaldi tried a knee up the middle. Gillespie caught it, but couldn’t get a takedown. Seconds later, though, he got one and put Rinaldi on his back on the canvas.
Gillespie controlled things until he could get to side control, then tried to work on a choke from that position. Just past two minutes into the round, Gillespie quickly popped to full mount. Rinaldi gave his back, then rolled back again. Gillespie easily popped to side control, then full mount again.
With 75 seconds left, Rinaldi tried to get back to his feet, but Gillespie kept him pressured on the fence draped over his back. Gillespie started pounding, then flattened Rinaldi out. But Rinaldi had no real defense. Gillespie opunded away while Rinaldi covered up, and got the stoppage before the horn.
Gillespie stayed perfect with his 11th straight win and fourth straight to open his UFC career. Rinaldi is back in the loss column after a submission win this past August. He has dropped two of his past three.
Gillespie won 2 NYS wrestling championships at Webster Schroeder, and followed that up with a NCAA title in 2007 while at Edinboro University (PA). He was a 4-time collegiate All-American.
Gillespie signed with the UFC after compiling an undefeated record of 7-0 on the regional scene in New Jersey. He trains out of Long Island.