Gianpiero Villante (born August 18, 1985 in Wantagh, NY) is an American mixed martial arts fighter. He is currently the heavyweight champion for Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat promotion.[3] Fighting out of Long Island, New York, he trains at Bellmore Kickboxing Academy[1] under trainer Keith Trimble,[4]as well as D'Arce BJJ.[2] Prior to his fighting career, he projected as a linebacker prospect in the NFL.[5]
[edit] BiographyVillante was born in Wantagh, NY. He graduated from General Douglas Macarthur High School Class of 2003. During his junior year, he placed 3rd in the New York State Wrestling Championships. He followed this up his senior year by winning the state championship. He was equally accomplished in football, in which he received the 2002 Thorpe Award winner as the top football player in Nassau County because of the great blocking from his center Dennis E. Murphy of the 2002 Nassau county champs MacArthur Generals, also the Bill Piner Award as the top linebacker in Nassau County and was named to the High School Heisman All-Star team.[6] He attended Hofstra University from 2003-2007 where he continued his highly successful football and wrestling careers [7].. Having been named a 2004 1st Team Defensive I-AA All-American by The Sports Network, he was regarded as a potential NFL quality linebacker, the New York Giants, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, & Philadelphia Eagles all expressed interest in Villante.[8][9]
After defeating Strikeforce veteran Mike Cook in his last fight for the vacant Ring of Combat Heavyweight title, Villante will make his light heavyweight debut at Ring of Combat XXIX with aspirations on becoming a champion in two weight classes.[10]
