Josh Grispi

Josh Richard Grispi (born October 14, 1988) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2006 until 2014, he has competed for the UFC and WEC.

Background Grispi, a talented hockey player, was kicked out of many schools and even a paintball facility before venturing into mixed martial arts when he was 13 years old, following the advice of his father. Grispi went to South Shore Sportfighting. The sport grew on Grispi, and he began fighting in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, winning local tournaments while often being the youngest competitor.

Mixed martial arts career World Extreme Cagefighting After beginning his career in 2006 and going 10–1 in smaller promotions, Grispi was signed by the WEC.

He made his promotional debut against Mark Hominick at WEC 32, locking in a rear-naked choke submission in the first round. This was followed up by an early first round TKO victory over Micah Miller.

Grispi returned after a year off to face LC Davis on June 20, 2010, at WEC 49. Grispi submitted Davis by guillotine choke submission at 2:33 of the first round, earning Submission of the Night honors.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Grispi was expected to face Erik Koch on November 11, 2010, at WEC 52. However, in October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.

He was expected to fight José Aldo at UFC 125 for the UFC Featherweight Championship but Aldo was forced to withdraw due to injury. Risking his #1 contender status, Grispi instead fought late replacement Dustin Poirier at the event and lost via unanimous decision. Grispi suffered a jaw injury in the fight which sidelined him for 5 months.

Grispi faced George Roop on June 4, 2011, at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round.

Grispi was expected to face Matt Grice on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136. However, Grispi was forced from the bout and replaced by Nam Phan.

Grispi was expected to face Pablo Garza on August 4, 2012, at UFC on FOX 4. However, Garza was forced out of the bout and replaced by Rani Yahya. Grispi lost to Yahya after he tapped out to a north–south choke in the first round.

Grispi faced Andy Ogle on February 16, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald. Grispi lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.

Post-UFC career After serving his sentence in jail, Grispi has returned to the mixed martial arts and was expected to face Bruce Boyington for NEF Lightweight Championship at NEF 42 on February 8, 2020. However on January 20, 2020, news surfaced that Grispi was forced to withdraw from the bout due to legal complications and was replaced by Manny Bermudez.

Personal life Grispi filed for divorce while incarcerated and has a son and a daughter with ex wife Kaitlyn. He is a distant relative of legendary boxer Rocky Marciano. Aside from fighting, Grispi used to do construction work with his father.

Legal issues On August 6, 2014, Grispi was held without bail on domestic abuse and assault charges against his wife. Grispi had first been arrested on August 1, 2014, and charged with multiple counts of improperly storing firearms near minors, as well as assault and battery on his wife. However, Grispi was released on August 4, 2014, after posting $2,000 bail. The police searched Grispi's house and found 20 marijuana plants and 15 grams of cocaine.

Championships and accomplishments World Extreme Cagefighting Submission of the Night (One time) vs. LC Davis (technical guillotine choke)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Andy Ogle Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald

London, England, United Kingdom Loss

Rani Yahya Submission (north/south choke) UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera

Los Angeles, California, United States Loss

George Roop TKO (body punch) The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Dustin Poirier Decision (unanimous) UFC 125

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

LC Davis Technical submission (guillotine choke) WEC 49

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Win

Jens Pulver Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 41

Sacramento, California, United States Win

Micah Miller TKO (punches) WEC 35: Condit vs. Miura

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Mark Hominick Technical submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 32: Condit vs. Prater

Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States Win

Spencer Paige KO (head kick) FFP: Untamed 18

Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States Win

Paul Gorman Submission (triangle choke) FFP: Untamed 14

Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States Win

Glen Medeiras KO (punches) RF: Domination

Concord, New Hampshire, United States Win

Charlie Murphy Submission (armbar) WFL 16: Moment of Truth 2

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Fernando Bernandino Decision (majority) FFP: Untamed 10

Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States Win

Edward Odquina Submission (armbar) WFL 15: Winter Brawl 2007

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Loss

Henrique Bilcalho Submission (heel hook) CZ 19: Above and Beyond

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Eddie Felix TKO (punches) FFP: Untamed 8

Mansfield, Massachusetts, United States Win

Cylde Ganthier KO (punches) WFL 12: Calloway Cup 3

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Dan Bonnell Submission (guillotine choke) CZ 18

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Nick Zimmerman TKO (punches) RF: Invasion

Manchester, New Hampshire, United States