At UFC Fight Night 116 on Saturday, the promotion put on a trio of lightweight fights for MMA fans. With the first two unfolding on the preliminary card early in the night, the third lightweight bout at UFC Pittsburgh went down on the main card — and saw Gregor Gillespie clash with Jason Gonzalez.
Gillespie was a perfect 9-0 entering the night, while Gonzalez was coming in off an impressive brabo choke submission win over J.C. Cottrell in January.
Gonzalez opened up early, connecting with a pair of head kicks, a left hand, and some elbows once Gillespie shot in for a takedown. Gillespie then slipped an elbow over the top into the mix when the takedown didn’t happen, which sent Gonzalez to the canvas. With Gillespie on top, and Gonzalez leaking blood from the mouth, you’d think they might slow down, but instead, back on the feet they went into rock ’em, sock ’em mode. Both fighters landed multiple strikes, with Gonzalez mixing in a head kick again.
Gillespie opted to take things back down at that point, and was soon in mount dropping bombs. Gonzalez scrambled, and back on the feet moments later they engaged again, with both fighters catching the other — Gillespie with an elbow, Gonzalez with a knee. Gillespie survived with another takedown, and these two may have put on one of the best rounds this year.
Could round two ive up to the first? Gonzalez landed a head kick early, both fighters went back into trading bombs, then Gillespie shot a takedown, and worked to control his foe on the mat. Gillespie managed to pass guard, and looked to secure an arm choke. While Gonzalez fought it off at first, Gillespie got it on the second try! Great end to a great bout, and easily a candidate for Fight of the Night.
Gregor Gillespie def. Jason Gonzalez by submission (arm triangle), Round 2, 2:11
