Gianpiero Villante, better known as Gian Villante, is an accomplished American mixed martial artist currently competing in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Hailing from Wantagh, New York, Villante showcased his athletic prowess early on by participating in the New York State Championships, where he achieved an impressive third-place finish during his junior year. Alongside his passion for martial arts, Villante excelled as a football player and even secured the prestigious Thorpe Award while representing MacArthur High School. After transitioning to MMA, Villante quickly made a name for himself, making his debut in the Ring of Combat before eventually joining the UFC. Throughout his UFC career, Villante has earned the Fight of the Night championship three times and claimed the Ring of Combat Heavyweight Championship twice. Although he faced a setback in a Heavyweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout against Chad Griggs during his time with Strikeforce, Villante rebounded with a victory over Keith Berry at the ‘Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs Duarte’ event.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Gianpiero Villante
- Age: 38 Years, 38 Year Old Males
- Family: father: Sal Villante, mother: Josephine Villante
- Mixed Martial Artists
- American Men
- Height: 6’3″ (190 cm), 6’3″ Males
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
- More Facts
- Education: Hofstra University, MacArthur High School
Career
Gian Villante began his wrestling career during his junior year of college. Although he initially placed third at the New York State Wrestling Championship, he went on to win the championship in his senior year. Alongside wrestling, Villante was also an avid football player and won the Thorpe Award in 2002 while playing for MacArthur High School.
While studying at Hofstra University, Villante continued to pursue both football and wrestling. He excelled as a middle linebacker in football and was named a 1st Team Defensive I-AA All-American by the Sports Network. Despite being considered a prospect for the NFL, Villante decided to focus more on his career in combat sports.
After training in MMA, Villante made his debut and defeated veteran Randy Durant in his first match. He then competed in the Ring of Combat, where he won the vacant Ring of Combat Heavyweight Title by defeating Mike Cook.
In 2011, Villante began competing for Strikeforce. He faced Chad Griggs in his first match and suffered a loss. He also lost his second fight against Lorenz Larkin. However, he bounced back with a victory against Keith Berry in the Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte. Villante’s scheduled fight against Guto Inocente was cancelled by Showtime.
Villante made his debut in the UFC in 2013, but lost his first match against St Preux. He secured his first UFC victory by defeating Cody Donovan in November 2014. However, he suffered a loss in his third fight against Fabio Maldonado. Throughout his UFC career, Villante has won the ‘Fight of the Night’ award three times.
Personal Life
Gianpiero Villante was born on August 18, 1985, in Wantagh, New York. His parents are Josephine and Sal Villante. Villante has always had a passion for sports and pursued his education at Hofstra University from 2003 to 2007. He prefers to keep his personal life private and has not shared much information with the media or the public.