The self-proclaimed best fisherman in the UFC says he’s not going anywhere.
On Sunday, a tweet from the algorithm-based Twitter account UFC Roster Watch alerted fans to the removal of lightweight Gregor Gillespie from the roster, causing a stir among fans who keep a close eye on the sport.
A few hours later, Gillespie (14-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) clarified and went into detail about his current situation with the UFC, ensuring everyone that his status as a UFC fighter has not changed and he is still a fighter under the Las Vegas-based promotion’s banner.
“Guys, I’m STILL in the UFC relax, I’ll explain,” Gillespie wrote, starting a lengthy message on Instagram. “1) I’m removed from the RANKINGS. Not from the organization. (Fighters are removed from rankings when inactive for a period of time which I’m gathering is 12 months.)
“2) I’m not fucking going ANYWHERE, rankings or not.”
Beyond clarifying his employment status, Gillespie went into detail about why he has stepped into the cage since his second-round TKO stoppage victory over Diego Ferreira last May.
“I am, and have been patiently waiting for the right fight, one that is going to push me toward the belt,” Gillespie wrote. “Since Ferguson turned it down like 100 f*kin times in the last yr, since Mikey Chandler didn’t seem too interested in fighting me when I brought it up, and since RDA just turned down the fight against me (WHICH I ACCEPTED BTW) I guess @beneildariush will have to do. I know you’re banged up and recovering big dawg, so just gimme a 8 week heads up and let’s do the thing.”
Gillespie currently holds the No. 13 spot in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings. Prior to a setback against Kevin Lee at UFC 244, he won his first six fights after joining the promotion in 2016.
