Gregor Gillespie | #bestfishermaninMMA | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 58

Gregor Gillespie is a UFC fighter who's not just another wrestler turned MMA competitor—he's a two-time high school state wrestling champion, four-time Division I All American, and NCAA national champion who brings the same intensity to fishing that he brings to the octagon. Known as #bestfishermaninMMA, Gregor discusses the parallels between wrestling discipline and fishing obsession, how he uses fishing to decompress from UFC training, and why he called out Chad Mendes for a fish-off instead of challenging another fighter. This conversation reveals how an elite athlete balances two intense passions and what fishing teaches him about competition.

The Discipline Connection Between Wrestling and Fishing

What does it take to become an NCAA national champion wrestler, and how does that same mindset apply to becoming obsessed with fishing? Gregor reveals the discipline parallels between two seemingly different pursuits and why the mental approach that made him a champion on the mat translates directly to his approach on the water. It's not just about physical skill—there's a deeper connection between these two passions that shapes how he approaches both competition and decompression. The parallels he draws will change how you think about transferable skills across pursuits.

Why Gregor Called Out Chad Mendes for a Fish-Off

Most UFC fighters use their post-fight interview to call out their next opponent in the octagon. Gregor Gillespie had other plans. While most fighters position themselves for title shots or grudge matches, Gregor used his moment to challenge Chad Mendes to a fishing competition. This wasn't a joke—Gregor is serious about his claim to being the best fisherman in MMA. What drove him to make this unconventional callout, and what does it say about how he balances his fighting career with his passion for fishing? The story behind this moment reveals Gregor's unique approach to his public persona and what really matters to him outside the cage.

Bass Fishing and Ice Fishing in Upstate New York

Gregor doesn't just fish casually—he pursues it with the same intensity he brings to fighting. From bass fishing to ice fishing in upstate New York, Gregor discusses his local waters and what makes fishing in this region unique. How does someone training at the highest level of professional fighting find time to stay on the water year-round? What techniques does he use, and what's the draw of ice fishing for someone used to the heat of competition? The specifics of his fishing approach reveal a side of Gregor that most UFC fans never see, and the dedication required to maintain both pursuits simultaneously is remarkable.

How Fishing Helps Decompress from UFC Training Intensity

Training for the UFC demands relentless physical and mental preparation. The intensity of preparing for a fight where everything is on the line requires an outlet—and for Gregor, that outlet is fishing. He explains how getting on the water helps him decompress from training camps, why fishing provides the mental reset he needs between fights, and how it balances the aggression required in the cage. This isn't just about recreation—fishing serves a specific purpose in Gregor's training philosophy. The way he uses fishing as a tool for mental recovery offers insights that apply far beyond fighting or fishing.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've interviewed a lot of people who fish seriously, but Gregor brings something different to the conversation. Here's a guy who's achieved the highest levels in wrestling and is competing in the UFC, but he's just as passionate about getting on the water. That's the kind of balance that makes someone interesting—when they can be elite in one thing but still find that same drive for something completely different.

What struck me about this conversation is how Gregor uses fishing as a mental tool, not just a hobby. He understands that decompression is part of performance. The parallels he draws between wrestling discipline and fishing obsession are real—it's the same mindset applied to different pursuits. And the fact that he called out Chad Mendes for a fish-off instead of another fighter shows you exactly where his head is.

If you want to understand how someone balances intense competition with the need to decompress, and how discipline transfers across completely different pursuits, this conversation is worth your time. Listen to the whole thing.