Gian Villante set for second outing at heavyweight, vs. Jake Collier at UFC’s December 5 event
Gian Villante vs. Jake Collier at heavyweight, added to UFC’s December 5 event, via Quick Talks Podcast.
Both fighters will try to rebound after unsuccessful debut in the heavyweight division. Villante is coming off a most recent loss to Maurice Greene at UFC on ESPN+ 43. The New York native is 1-3 and if he loses, his job could be in jeopardy.
Villante (17-11 MMA, 7-8 UFC) has a habit of finding himself in exciting fights, win or lose, as noticed by his three “Fight of the Night” bonuses in the UFC. He’s dropped three of his last four fights, and will compete at heavyweight for the second time since a submission loss to Maurice Greene, the only other time Villante fought at heavyweight was when he was an alternate fight in the legendary Strikeforce grand prix in 2011. Gian will now look to bounce back from his loss to Greene. The Serra–Longo Fight Team staple quoted “believes his style is best served for heavyweight rather than light heavyweight. He may be on to something.” Before his back to back losses, Villante’s previous four fights (2-2) were all decided by split decision.
“Heavyweight is where I’d like my future to be at,” Villante said. “I move forward and am willing to trade with everybody. It could prove to be dangerous or fruitful. Go in there, have fun and make exciting fights. My whole thing is to make it dirty and move forward.”
Before his recent loss to Tom Aspinall, Collier (11-5-0 MMA, 3-4 UFC), continued his streak of bouncing back from each setback in the UFC with a victory by outworking the Brazilian over three rounds, giving Collier his first win in the light heavyweight division, third win the big leagues, and 11th victory in 15 fights in pro MMA. He was booked to make a quick turnaround against then promotional newcomer Marcin Prachnio just a few weeks later in Orlando, Florida, but an injury forced him out of the bout and ultimately sent him under the knife.
The former Light Heavyweight Villante and Former Middleweight Collier, will now meet at heavyweight at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Till.
