Gian Villante

2024-01-22T17:36:16Z

160.72.148.13:

{{short description|American wrestler, American footballer and mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Gian Villante
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Gianpiero Villante
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|8|18}}
| birth_place = [[Wantagh, New York]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| nationality = American
| university = [[Hofstra University]]
| school = [[MacArthur High School (Levittown, New York)]]
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}
| weight_lb = 261
| weight_class = [[Light Heavyweight (MMA)|Light heavyweight]] [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| reach = 76 in<ref name=UFConFox16stats>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-chicago-2015/printFightCard|title=Fight Card – UFC Fight Night Dillashaw vs. Barao 2|publisher=UFC.com|access-date=July 26, 2015}}</ref>
| style = [[Kickboxing]], [[Wrestling]]
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = [[Bellmore, New York]], U.S.
| team = Bellmore Kickboxing Academy<ref name="BKA">{{cite web|url=http://www.bellmorekickboxingacademy.com/bellmore_kickboxing_mma_010.htm|title=Our Fighters|publisher=bellmorekickboxingacademy.com|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601004413/http://www.bellmorekickboxingacademy.com/bellmore_kickboxing_mma_010.htm|archive-date=June 1, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Long Island MMA and Fitness Center{{citation needed|date=April 2015}} [[Serra-Longo Fight Team|Serra–Longo Fight Team]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2017/7/22/16015582/ufc-fox-25-results-gian-villante-patrick-cummins-split-decision-light-heavyweight-long-island-mma|title=UFC on FOX 25 results: Gian Villante brutalizes Patrick Cummins' face, loses split decision|author=Andrew Pearson|publisher=mmamania.com|date=July 22, 2017}}</ref>
| rank = Blue belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]<ref name=bjjbluebelt>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/1/17/1938338/world-mma-light-heavyweight-scouting-report-2-gian-villante|title=World MMA Light Heavyweight Scouting Report: #2 – Gian Villante|publisher=Bloody Elbow|author=Leland Roling|date=January 17, 2011}}</ref> under [[Matt Serra]]{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}
| wrestling = [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] [[Collegiate wrestling|Wrestling]]<ref name="gohofstra.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gohofstra.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=22200&ATCLID=3716350%2F |title=Hofstra Student-Athlete Biography Page |access-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711104553/http://www.gohofstra.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=22200&ATCLID=3716350%2F |archive-date=July 11, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| years_active = 2009–2021
| mma_kowin = 10
| mma_subwin = 2
| mma_decwin = 5
| mma_koloss = 6
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_decloss = 7
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| sherdog = 42802
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}

'''Gianpiero Villante''' (born August 18, 1985) is a retired American<ref>{{Cite web|title=Villante's career comes to an end at UFC 268 at MSG|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-268-gian-villante-chris-barnett-1.50413547|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Newsday|language=en}}</ref> [[mixed martial artist]] who previously fought in the [[Heavyweight (MMA)|heavyweight]] division of the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]. A professional from 2009 to 2021, he also has competed for [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]].

==Background==
Villante attended [[MacArthur High School (Levittown, New York)]] and was part of the Class of 2003. During his junior year, he placed third in the New York State Wrestling Championships. He followed this up his senior year by winning the New York State Championship at the 215-pound weight class. Villante also earned all-American honors following a 5th-place finish in the 215 lbs weight class at the 2003 NHSCA senior national wrestling tournament.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nhsca.com/?page=SeniorAA|title=Senior All Americans – National High School Coaches Association|website=nhsca.com|access-date=April 19, 2018}}</ref> Villante was equally accomplished in football, in which he received the 2002 Thorpe Award winner as the top football player in Nassau County, also the Bill Piner Award as the top linebacker in Nassau County and was named to the High School Heisman All-Star team. Villante drew interest from major Division I schools, such as [[Penn State]] and [[Michigan State]]. Villante chose to stay home and committed to [[Hofstra University]].<ref name="gohofstra.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gohofstra.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=22200&ATCLID=3716350%2F |title=Hofstra Student-Athlete Biography Page |access-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711104553/http://www.gohofstra.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=22200&ATCLID=3716350%2F |archive-date=July 11, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Villante attended Hofstra University from 2003 to 2007 where he continued his highly successful football and wrestling careers.<ref>{{cite web|author=La Monica, Mark"|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/fightin-words-1.811935/gettin-to-know-gian-villante-1.1749078|title=Gettin' to know Gian Villante|work=Newsday|date=February 8, 2010|access-date=March 15, 2010}}</ref> Villante started his first game against [[Marshall University]], as a true freshman, at middle linebacker. Gian kept his starting role the rest of his first year. The following season Villante was named a 2004 1st Team Defensive I-AA [[All-American]] by [[The Sports Network]]. He was regarded as a potential NFL linebacker prospect. The [[New York Giants]], [[New York Jets]], [[Indianapolis Colts]], and [[Philadelphia Eagles]] all expressed interest in Villante.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ovcsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=6200&ATCLID=321880%2F |title=The Sports Network I-AA All-America List |access-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201737/http://www.ovcsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=6200&ATCLID=321880%2F |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kffl.com/player/19284/NFL/ |title=Gian Villante NFL Draft Prospect Page |access-date=March 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125085246/http://www.kffl.com/player/19284/NFL/ |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Villante wrestled for Hofstra where he became close with NCAA All-American wrestler and future UFC Middleweight Champion [[Chris Weidman]].
now he works in the islip school disert
==Mixed martial arts career==

===Ring of Combat===
Villante made his MMA debut quickly after making the decision to begin MMA training. He defeated MMA veteran Randy Durant by quickly drawing a TKO due to a nasty cut. Villante then flew through his next few opponents, only once having it last through the first round. He quickly was the top Heavyweight contender in Ring of Combat. He got his shot and after defeating [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]] veteran Mike Cook for the vacant Ring of Combat [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]] title, Villante was touted as a legit MMA prospect.

Villante made his Light Heavyweight debut at Ring of Combat XXIX with aspirations on becoming a champion in two weight classes.<ref>{{cite web|author=La Monica, Mark"|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/fightin-words-1.811935/li-s-gian-villante-seeks-a-second-title-1.1803718|title=LI's Gian Villante seeks a second title|work=Newsday|date=March 1, 2010|access-date=March 15, 2010}}</ref> However Villante lost by TKO after breaking his elbow and moved back up to heavyweight. After an extended recovery from his wrist injury, Villante had a highlight reel KO win over Joseph Reyes.

===Strikeforce===
On January 11, 2011, it was announced that Villante had signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce. Villante was quickly thrown into a Heavyweight Grand Prix Reserve bout on short notice. His opponent would be [[Chad Griggs]] in one of three heavyweight grand prix reserve bouts at [[Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva]].<ref>[http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Strikeforce-Signs-Villante-Announces-Heavyweight-Reserve-Bouts-29352 Strikeforce Signs Villante, Announces Heavyweight Reserve Bouts]</ref> In which many people called the fight, the "Fight of the Night." He lost the fight via TKO in the first round on a referee stoppage.

Villante made the decision to drop back down to light heavyweight. In his next bout, Villante would take on undefeated prospect [[Lorenz Larkin]] on June 24, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers: Fodor vs. Terry. After repeatedly taking down Larkin and easily taking the first round, Villante appeared to be suffering from his dramatic weight cutting. Villante began to tire and eventually Larkin went on to win a unanimous decision. Questions began to swirl as to whether or not Villante could effectively complete a Three Round Fight. He was also criticized for not sticking to a wrestling game plan.

In his next fight, Villante took on [[Keith Berry (fighter)|Keith Berry]] in the [[ShoMMA|Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte]] preliminary card. Despite the crowd's jeers, and multiple stand ups, Gian continually took down Berry and went on to win the fight unanimously on the judges scorecards.

Villante's next fight was against [[Trevor Smith (fighter)|Trevor Smith]] on the preliminary card of [[Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine]] on January 7, 2012.<ref name="Strikeforce 38">{{cite web|url=http://www.strikeforce.com/events/2012/01/strikeforce-rockhold-vs-jardine/ |title=Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine |publisher=strikeforce.com |date=December 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103171340/http://www.strikeforce.com/events/2012/01/strikeforce-rockhold-vs-jardine/ |archive-date=January 3, 2012 }}</ref> Gian quickly attacked Smith catching a leg strike four seconds in. After landing several clean punches and knees on the ground, both stood up. The two trade strikes for about thirty seconds, when Villante once again caught a Smith kick and took him down. Villante held onto the leg and began landing numerous unanswered right hands, prompting referee Kim Winslow to stop the fight at 1:05 of the first round.

Gian continued his win streak with a unanimous decision victory over [[Derrick Mehmen]]. This was part of the [[Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier]] undercard seen on Showtime Extreme. Gian was credited by announcer [[Frank Shamrock]] for his improved standup and his endurance during the fight. Mehmen had visible bruising on his thighs from the multiple leg kicks landed by Villante.

Gian was scheduled to fight undefeated [[Guto Inocente]] on the [[Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy]] main card. The entire card was canceled due to headliner [[Gilbert Melendez]] suffering an injury. Without the main event, [[Showtime (TV channel)|Showtime]] canceled the entire event. Gian was featured in [[Newsday]] shortly after the announcement. The article featured Gian explaining how he was extremely upset about the cancellation, but focused more on how Gian was finally able to eat, after his grueling ordeal to make weight.

===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
In January 2013, the Strikeforce organization was closed by its parent company Zuffa. A list of fighters scheduled to be brought over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship was released in mid-January and Villante was one of the fighters listed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Reveals-List-of-Strikeforce-Fighters-Making-Jump-to-Octagon-49107|title=UFC Reveals List of Strikeforce Fighters Making Jump to Octagon |publisher=sherdog.com|date=January 16, 2013}}</ref>

For his UFC debut, Villante faced fellow promotional newcomer [[Ovince St. Preux]] on April 27, 2013, at [[UFC 159]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/ovince-st-preux-meets-gian-villante-in-battle-of-strikeforce-vets-at-ufc-159|title=Ovince St. Preux meets Gian Villante in battle of Strikeforce vets at UFC 159|publisher=mmajunkie.com| date=February 8, 2013}}</ref> The fight ended in unusual fashion as St. Preux accidentally poked Villante in the right eye with his thumb and referee Kevin Mulhall immediately called an end to the fight after Villante indicated that he could not see. As a result of the injury, the fight went to the judges' scorecards and St. Preux won a majority technical decision (30–28, 30–29, and 29–29).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/ufc-159-resultsphotos-ovince-st-preux-vs-gian-villante|title=Ovince St. Preux pokes Gian Villante's eye, awarded win|publisher=mmajunkie.com| date=April 27, 2013}}</ref>

Villante took a short notice bout, replacing [[Robert Drysdale]] against [[Cody Donovan]] on November 16, 2014, at [[UFC 167]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/gian-villante-replaces-robert-drysdale-meets-cody-donovan-at-ufc-167|title=Gian Villante replaces Robert Drysdale, meets Cody Donovan at UFC 167|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Staff|date=October 29, 2013|access-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/gian-villante-added-to-ufc-167-against-cody-donovan-1.6342257|title=Gian Villante added to UFC 167 against Cody Donovan|work=Newsday|author=MARK LA MONICA|access-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref> He won the fight via TKO in the second round, earning his first official UFC victory.

For his third fight with the promotion, Villante faced [[Fábio Maldonado]] on March 23, 2014, at [[UFC Fight Night 38]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/1/12/5300980/fabio-maldonado-vs-gian-villante-ufc-brazil-mma-news|title=Fabio Maldonado says he's fighting Gian Villante at March UFC event in Brazil|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Mookie Alexander|date=January 12, 2014|access-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Villante was expected to face [[Anthony Perosh]] on June 28, 2014, at [[UFC Fight Night 43]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://themmareport.com/2014/05/ufc-fight-night-43-in-new-zealand-adds-perosh-villante-whittaker-rhodes-and-reyes-vaculic/ |title=UFC Fight Night 43 in New Zealand adds Perosh-Villante |publisher=themmareport.com |author=Jason Floyd|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=April 24, 2014}}</ref> However, Perosh was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by [[Sean O'Connell (fighter)|Sean O'Connell]].<ref name="PeroshOut">{{cite news |url= http://mmajunkie.com/2014/05/anthony-perosh-out-at-ufc-fight-night-43-gian-villante-now-meets-sean-oconnell |title=Anthony Perosh out at UFC Fight Night 43, Gian Villante now meets Sean O'Connell |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=May 13, 2014}}</ref> He won the fight via split decision.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://mmajunkie.com/2014/06/ufc-fight-night-43-results-gian-villante-takes-split-call-from-sean-oconnell |title=UFC Fight Night 43 results: Gian Villante takes split call from Sean O'Connell |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson|date=June 2, 2014|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref> Their performance earned both participants ''Fight of the Night'' honors.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://mmajunkie.com/2014/06/ufc-fight-night-43-bonuses-marquardt-oliveira-villante-oconnell-nab-50000 |title=UFC Fight Night 43 bonuses: Marquardt, Oliveira, Villante, O'Connell nab $50,000|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson|date=June 2, 2014|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>

Villante was expected to face [[Corey Anderson (fighter)|Corey Anderson]] on December 6, 2014, at [[UFC 181]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/tuf-19-winner-corey-anderson-meets-gian-villante-at-ufc-181|title='TUF 19' winner Corey Anderson meets Gian Villante at UFC 181|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=September 1, 2014|access-date=September 16, 2014}}</ref> However, Villante pulled out of the fight citing an injury. Anderson remained on the card against Justin Jones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/11/gian-villante-out-at-ufc-181-promotion-seeks-replacement-for-corey-anderson|title=Gian Villante out at UFC 181, promotion seeks replacement for Corey Anderson|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=November 1, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref>

The bout with Anderson eventually took place on April 18, 2015, at [[UFC on Fox 15]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/corey-anderson-meets-gian-villante-at-ufc-on-fox-15-in-new-jersey|title=Corey Anderson meets Gian Villante at UFC on FOX 15 in New Jersey|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=January 2, 2015|access-date=January 27, 2015}}</ref> Villante won the fight via TKO in the third round. The fight also earned him his second ''Fight of the Night'' bonus award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/4/18/8451521/ufc-on-fox-15-bonuses-rockhold-pockets-50000-for-submission-win-mma-news|title=UFC on FOX 15 bonuses: Rockhold pockets $50,000 for submission win against Machida|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Karim Kidan|date=April 1, 2015|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref>

Villante faced [[Tom Lawlor]] on July 25, 2015, at [[UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs. Barão 2|UFC on Fox 16]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Lawlor-Returns-Against-Villante-in-July|title=Lawlor returns against Villante in July|publisher=UFC.com|author=Thomasi Gerbasi|date=May 1, 2015|access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> Despite controlling the first round with strikes, Villante lost the bout via knockout early in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-on-fox-16-results-tom-lawlor-drops-gian-villante-with-devastating-right-hand|title=UFC on FOX 16 results: Tom Lawlor drops Gian Villante with devastating right hand|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=July 2, 2015|access-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref>

Villante faced [[Anthony Perosh]] on November 15, 2015, at [[UFC 193]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fightnewsaustralia.com/etihad-stadium-official-for-ufc-193-a-host-of-australian-fighters-announced-for-lineup/|title=Etihad Stadium official for UFC 193, a host of Australian fighters announced for lineup|publisher=fightnewsaustralia.com|author=Emma Shallands|access-date=August 20, 2015|date=August 20, 2015}}</ref> Villante won the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/11/ufc-193-results-gian-villante-scores-quick-knockout-of-anthony-perosh|title=UFC 193 results: Gian Villante scores quick knockout of Anthony Perosh|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|access-date=November 14, 2015|date=November 1, 2015}}</ref>

Villante next faced [[Ilir Latifi]] on March 5, 2016, at [[UFC 196]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/with-48-day-turnaround-ilir-latifi-meets-gian-villante-at-ufc-196-in-vegas|title=With 48-day turnaround, Ilir Latifi meets Gian Villante at UFC 196 in Vegas|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Dann Stupp|date=January 2, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2016}}</ref> He lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/03/ufc-196-results-ilir-latifi-grinds-out-decision-over-gian-villante|title=UFC 196 results: Ilir Latifi grinds out decision over Gian Villante|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Brent Brookhouse|access-date=March 5, 2016|date=March 5, 2016}}</ref>

Villante was briefly linked to a bout with [[Marcos Rogério de Lima]] on November 12, 2016, at [[UFC 205]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/9/8/12849102/gian-villante-vs-marcos-rogerio-de-lima-added-to-ufc-205|title=Gian Villante vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima added to UFC 205|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref> However, Villante pulled out of the fight on September 21 citing a minor injury and the bout was scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/9/21/13001276/gian-villante-vs-marcos-rogerio-de-lima-off-ufc-205|title=Gian Villante vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima off UFC 205|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=September 2, 2016|access-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref>
In turn, Villante is expected to face [[Patrick Cummins (fighter)|Patrick Cummins]] the following month on December 9, 2016, at [[UFC Fight Night 102]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/9/29/13113754/gian-villante-vs-patrick-cummins-targeted-for-ufc-fight-night-albany|title=Gian Villante vs. Patrick Cummins targeted for UFC Fight Night: Albany|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=September 2, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Subsequently, Cummins pulled out of the fight on December 2 citing a [[staph infection]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/12/2/13820928/patrick-cummins-out-ufc-fight-night-102-albany-with-staph-infection-gian-villante|title=Patrick Cummins out of UFC Fight Night 102 card with staph infection|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=December 2, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016}}</ref> He was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Saparbek Safarov]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/12/saparbek-safarov-j-j-aldrich-set-as-injury-replacements-at-ufc-fight-night-102-in-albany|title=Saparbek Safarov set as injury replacement at UFC Fight Night 102 in Albany|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=December 2, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016}}</ref> Villante won the fight via TKO in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/12/ufc-fight-night-102-results-gian-villante-tops-saparbek-safarov-in-back-and-forth-brawl|title=UFC Fight Night 102 results: Gian Villante tops Saparbek Safarov in back-and-forth brawl|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref> Both participants were awarded ''Fight of the Night'' for their performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-102-Bonuses-Villante-Safarov-Ngannou-Meerschaert-All-Pocket-3650K-114835|title=UFC Fight Night 102 bonuses: Villante, Safarov, Ngannou, Meerschaert all pocket $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Mike Sloan|access-date=December 9, 2016|date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>

Villante faced [[Maurício Rua]] on March 11, 2017, at [[UFC Fight Night 106]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/1/5/14185606/shogun-rua-vs-gian-villante-in-the-works-for-ufc-fight-night-fortaleza|title='Shogun' Rua vs. Gian Villante in the works for UFC Fight Night: Fortaleza|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=January 5, 2017|access-date=January 5, 2017}}</ref> He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/ufc-fight-night-106-results-shogun-rua-tkos-gian-villante-for-first-3-fight-streak-in-10-years|title=UFC Fight Night 106 results: 'Shogun' Rua TKOs Gian Villante for first 3-fight streak in 10 years|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=March 1, 2017|access-date=March 11, 2017}}</ref>

A rescheduled bout with [[Patrick Cummins (fighter)|Patrick Cummins]] eventually took place on July 22, 2017, at [[UFC on Fox 25]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/gian-villante-to-face-patrick-cummins-in-first-ufc-event-at-nassau-coliseum-1.13494690|title=Gian Villante to face Patrick Cummins in first UFC event at Nassau Coliseum|work=Newsday|author=Mark La Monica|date=April 1, 2017|access-date=April 19, 2017}}</ref> Villante lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/07/ufc-on-fox-25-results-patrick-cummins-bloodied-split-decision-win-gian-villante|title=UFC on FOX 25 results: Bloodied Patrick Cummins earns brutal split decision over Gian Villante|date=July 2, 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=July 23, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>

Villante faced [[Francimar Barroso]] on January 20, 2018, at [[UFC 220]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-220-gian-villante-francimar-barroso-1.14981797|title=Villante looks to end losing streak at UFC 220|work=Newsday|access-date=January 21, 2018|language=en}}</ref> He won the fight via split decision .<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-220-gian-villante-francimar-barroso-1.14981797|title=Gian Villante looks to end losing streak vs. Francimar Barroso at UFC 220|work=Newsday|author=Mark La Monica|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2017}}</ref>

Villante fought [[Sam Alvey]] on June 1, 2018, at [[UFC Fight Night 131]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/gian-villante-sam-alvey-ufc-fight-night-1.17370571|title=Gian Villante-Sam Alvey set for UFC Fight Night in Utica|work=Newsday|author=Mark La Monica|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> He lost the fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/06/ufc-fight-night-131-results-sam-alvey-split-decision-gian-villante-utica|title=UFC Fight Night 131 results: Sam Alvey takes split call from Gian Villante|date=June 2, 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=June 2, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

Villante fought [[Ed Herman]] on October 27, 2018, at [[UFC Fight Night 138]].<ref name="threeadded">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/canadian-cirkunov-to-fight-at-ufc-fight-night-in-moncton-1.1154391|title=Canadian Cirkunov to fight at UFC Fight Night in Moncton|publisher=tsn.ca.com|author=Aaron Bronsteter|date=August 7, 2018|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> He won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/10/27/18033582/ufc-moncton-results-gian-villante-edges-ed-herman-via-split-decision|title=UFC Moncton results: Gian Villante edges Ed Herman via split decision|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=October 28, 2018}}</ref>

Villante faced [[Michał Oleksiejczuk]] on February 23, 2019, at [[UFC Fight Night 145]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/new-yorker-gian-villante-treft-michal-oleksiejczuk-tijdens-ufc-praag/|title=New Yorker Gian Villante meets Michal Oleksiejczuk at UFC Prague|last=Dorff|first=Marcel|date=January 2, 2019|website=mmadna.nl|language=nl|access-date=January 21, 2019}}</ref> He lost the fight via TKO due to a body punch early in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/02/ufc-prague-results-michal-oleksiejczuk-body-shot-fells-gian-villante|title=UFC Prague results: Michal Oleksiejczuk body shot fells Gian Villante|date=February 2, 2019|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>

Villante was expected to face Mike Rodriguez on July 13, 2019, at [[UFC Fight Night 155]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/east-coast-treat-tussen-gian-villante-en-mike-rodriguez-tijdens-ufc-sacramento/|title="East Coast treat" between Gian Villante and Mike Rodriguez during UFC Sacramento|author=Marcel Dorff|publisher=mmadnanl.com|date=May 2, 2019|access-date=May 21, 2019|language=nl}}</ref> However, on July 4, 2019, Villante pulled out of the event for an undisclosed reason and was replaced by John Allan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/07/ufc-sacramento-gian-villante-out-mike-rodriguez-vs-john-allan|title=Gian Villante out of UFC on ESPN+ 13; Mike Rodriguez now faces John Allan|date=July 4, 2019|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|access-date=July 5, 2019}}</ref>

Villante faced [[Maurice Greene (fighter)|Maurice Greene]] on June 27, 2020, at [[UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Maurice Greene treft Gian Villante tijdens UFC evenement op 27 juni aanstaande|url=https://mmadna.nl/maurice-greene-treft-gian-villante-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-27-juni-aanstaande/|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=May 23, 2020|language=en-US|access-date=May 24, 2020}}</ref> He lost the fight via an arm-triangle choke submission in the third round.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Jon|date=June 2, 2020|title=UFC on ESPN 12 Results: Maurice Greene Tops Gian Villante With Stunning Submission|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/06/27/ufc-on-espn-12-results-villante-vs-greene/|access-date=June 28, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>

Villante faced [[Jake Collier]] on December 5, 2020 at [[UFC on ESPN 19]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-21|title=Gian Villante set to return vs. Jake Collier at UFC event on Dec. 5|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/gian-villante-vs-jake-collier-ufc-255-mma-fight-booking|access-date=2020-09-22|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-12-05|title=UFC Vegas 16 Results: Jake Collier Tops Gian Villante in Decision Win|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/12/05/ufc-vegas-16-results-gian-villante-vs-jake-collier/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>

Villante fought [[Chris Barnett]] on November 6, 2021 at [[UFC 268]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-09-24|title=Gian Villante vs. Chris Barnett toegevoegd aan UFC 268 in New York|url=https://mmadna.nl/gian-villante-vs-chris-barnett-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-268-in-new-york/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the fight via TKO in round two after getting knocked down via a spinning wheel kick.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2021-11-06|title=UFC 268 Results: Chris Barnett Knocks Out Gian Villante in Highlight Reel Fashion|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/11/06/ufc-268-results-chris-barnett-knocks-gian-villante/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> Villante announced his retirement after the fight, and planned to return to football as a coach.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=18-Time Octagon Veteran Gian Villante Retires After UFC 268 Defeat|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/18Time-Octagon-Veteran-Gian-Villante-Retires-After-UFC-268-Defeat-182829|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Sherdog}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Newswire|first=MMA Fighting|date=2021-11-04|title=Gian Villante to retire after UFC 268 bout with Chris Barnett|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/11/4/22764494/gian-villante-to-retire-after-ufc-268-bout-with-chris-barnett|access-date=2021-11-07|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Villante is [[Italian Americans|Italian American]].<ref>[https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/03/25/ufc-mma-new-york-gian-villante/ Schwartz: Long Island UFC Fighter Gian Villante Wants On MSG Card] Peter Schwartz, [[CBS New York]] (March 25, 2016)</ref> He and his long-time girlfriend Katie have a son, Gianluca, born December 2019 and a daughter, Joey, born October 2021.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/B6hYctDAoTX/ Gian Villante's instagram post]</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=August 2020}}

==Championships and accomplishments==

===Mixed martial arts===
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (Three times)
*'''Ring of Combat'''
**Ring of Combat Heavyweight Championship (One time)
**Ring of Combat Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
*'''[[MMAJunkie.com]]'''
**2015 April Fight of the Month vs. [[Corey Anderson (fighter)|Corey Anderson]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/05/mmajunkies-fight-of-the-month-for-april-that-grueling-ufc-on-fox-15-bout|title = MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for April: That grueling UFC on FOX 15 bout|date = May 3, 2015}}</ref>

===Football===
*'''[[High school football]]'''
**2001 All-Section VIII Linebacker
**2001 All-Long Island Linebacker (Sect VIII&XI)
**2002 All-Section VIII Linebacker
**2002 All-Long Island Linebacker (Sect VIII&XI)
**2002 Piner Award (Best Linebacker – Section VIII – Nassau County)
**2002 Thorpe Award (Best Football Player – Section VIII – Nassau County)
**2002 1st Team All-New York State
**2002 1st All-Metro Team (Lower NY-Upper NJ)
*'''[[College football]]'''
**2004 2nd Team Defensive All-Atlantic 10
**2004 1st Team Defensive I-AA All-American
**2006 1st Team Defensive All-Atlantic 10
**2007 1st Team Defensive All-Colonial Conference

===Wrestling===
*'''[[High school wrestling]]'''
**2002 Section VIII Nassau County Champion (215 lbs)
**2002 New York State 3rd Place (215 lbs)
**2003 Section VIII Nassau County Champion (215 lbs)
**2003 New York State Champion (215 lbs)

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 10
| sub-wins= 2
| dec-wins= 5
| ko-losses= 6
| sub-losses= 1
| dec-losses= 7
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|17–14
|[[Chris Barnett]]
|TKO (spinning wheel kick and punches)
|[[UFC 268]]
|{{dts|2021|November|6}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:23
|[[New York City, New York]], United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|17–13
|[[Jake Collier]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC on ESPN: Hermansson vs. Vettori]]
|{{dts|2020|December|5}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|17–12
|[[Maurice Greene (fighter)|Maurice Greene]]
|Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|[[UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker]]
|{{dts|2020|June|27|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3:44
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|{{small|Return to Heavyweight.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|17–11
|[[Michał Oleksiejczuk]]
|TKO (body punch)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos]]
|{{dts|2019|February|23|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:34
|[[Prague]], Czech Republic
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|17–10
|[[Ed Herman]]
| Decision (split)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Volkan vs. Smith]]
|{{dts|2018|October|27|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Moncton, New Brunswick]], Canada
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|16–10
|[[Sam Alvey]]
|Decision (split)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Rivera vs. Moraes]]
|{{dts|2018|June|1|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Utica, New York]], United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|16–9
|[[Francimar Barroso]]
|Decision (split)
|[[UFC 220]]
|{{dts|2018|January|20|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Boston]], Massachusetts, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|15–9
|[[Patrick Cummins (fighter)|Patrick Cummins]]
|Decision (split)
|[[UFC on Fox: Weidman vs. Gastelum]]
|{{dts|2017|July|22|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uniondale, New York]], United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|15–8
|[[Maurício Rua]]
|TKO (punches)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum]]
|{{dts|2017|March|11|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|0:59
|[[Fortaleza]], Brazil
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|15–7
|[[Saparbek Safarov]]
|TKO (punches)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Abdurakhimov]]
|{{dts|2016|December|9|format=mdy}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:54
|[[Albany, New York]], United States
|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|14–7
|[[Ilir Latifi]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC 196]]
|{{dts|2016|March|5|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–6
| [[Anthony Perosh]]
| KO (punch)
| [[UFC 193]]
| {{dts|2015|November|15|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:56
| [[Melbourne]], Australia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–6
| [[Tom Lawlor]]
| KO (punch)
| [[UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs. Barão 2]]
| {{dts|2015|July|25|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:27
| Chicago, Illinois, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–5
| [[Corey Anderson (fighter)|Corey Anderson]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold]]
| {{dts|2015|April|18|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:18
| [[Newark, New Jersey]], United States
| |{{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–5
| [[Sean O'Connell (fighter)|Sean O'Connell]]
| Decision (split)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Te Huna vs. Marquardt]]
| {{dts|2014|June|28|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Auckland]], New Zealand
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–5
| [[Fábio Maldonado]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Henderson 2]]
| {{dts|2014|March|23|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Natal, Rio Grande do Norte|Natal]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–4
| [[Cody Donovan]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC 167]]
| {{dts|2013|November|16|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:22
| [[MGM Grand Garden Arena|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–4
| [[Ovince Saint Preux]]
| Technical Decision (majority)
| [[UFC 159]]
| {{dts|2013|April|27|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 0:33
| [[Newark, New Jersey]], United States
| {{small|Inadvertent eye poke rendered Villante unable to continue.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–3
| [[Derrick Mehmen]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier]]
| {{dts|2012|May|19|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[San Jose, California]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–3
| [[Trevor Smith (fighter)|Trevor Smith]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine]]
| {{dts|2012|January|7|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:05
| [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–3
| [[Keith Berry (fighter)|Keith Berry]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2011 in Strikeforce#Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte|Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte]]
| {{dts|2011|August|12|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 7–3
| [[Lorenz Larkin]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2011 in Strikeforce#Strikeforce Challengers: Fodor vs. Terry|Strikeforce Challengers: Fodor vs. Terry]]
| {{dts|2011|June|24|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Kent, Washington]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 7–2
| [[Chad Griggs]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva]]
| {{dts|2011|February|12|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:49
| [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]], United States
| {{small|Heavyweight Grand Prix reserve bout.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–1
| Joseph Reyes
| TKO (punches)
| Ring of Combat 33
| {{dts|2010|December|3|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:03
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
| {{small|Won the vacant Ring of Combat Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 6–1
| Demetrius Richards
| TKO (arm injury)
| Ring of Combat 29
| {{dts|2010|April|16|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:27
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
| {{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–0
| Mike Cook
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Ring of Combat 28
| {{dts|2010|February|19|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:36
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
| {{small|Won the vacant Ring of Combat Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–0
| Marcelo Pereira
| KO (punch)
| Ring of Combat 27
| {{dts|2009|November|20|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:59
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
|{{small|Catchweight (215 lb) bout.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0
| Rob Wince
| KO (head kick)
| Ring of Combat 26
| {{dts|2009|September|11|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:25
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0
| Joe Abouata
| TKO (punches)
| Ring of Combat 25
| {{dts|2009|June|12|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:48
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| Paul White
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Ring of Combat 24
| {{dts|2009|April|17|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:46
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Randy Durant
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| Ring of Combat 23
| {{dts|2009|February|20|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:35
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
| {{small|Doctor stoppage due to cut.}}
|-
{{end}}
<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Gian Villante MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Gian-Villante-42802|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Sherdog}}</ref>

==See also==

* [[List of male mixed martial artists]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{UFC|gian-villante}}
* {{Sherdog|42802}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Villante, Gianpiero}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:People from Wantagh, New York]]
[[Category:Hofstra Pride football players]]
[[Category:People from Levittown, New York]]
[[Category:People from Bellmore, New York]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:Amateur wrestlers]]
[[Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Nassau County, New York]]

Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Gian Villante