TUF 22’s Tom Gallicchio Believes His Experience Plays to His Advantage on the Show

Sometimes when life closes one door, it opens another. As is the case for Team Quest lightweight Tom Gallicchio.

After having a breakout year with the Maximum Fighting Championship in 2014, Gallicchio was put in a tough spot when the promotion went on hiatus and he had physical issues to address. Luckily, Gallicchio was able to make the most of it by getting picked up for the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter.

“It was very disappointing that (MFC) took a hiatus, but I had to get surgery at the time on my elbow,” Gallicchio told MMAWeekly.com. “I had to get bone chips removed and decompression.

“By the time I got back, I had to take a few months off from fighting, because of their hiatus and not being able to find fights for myself. When this opportunity arose, I thought I’d be a shoe-in for it.”

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Gallicchio believes it was his outgoing personality that helped him secure a spot on TUF.

“I believe at the time I was ranked in the Top 60 in the world. I had a legitimate title, I’d fought tough competition, and had beat Ultimate Fighter veterans and have a real great personality,” said Gallicchio. “When interview time came, they loved me and my personality.”

As for how he feels he stacks up against other fighters in the cast, Gallicchio believes his veteran status will be his most advantageous quality.

“I feel like I stack up great,” said Gallicchio. “I’m tied for the most experienced guy on the show. Abner Lloveras and I both have 28 pro fights with 19 wins and both won our M-1 Global tournaments. Being the most experienced and having a black belt and being well-rounded really plays toward my advantage.”

Regardless how he does in this season’s tournament, Gallicchio is happy to have this opportunity and that the fans get to see what he’s all about.

“I want fans to know that I’m tough, I work hard, and that I’m hysterical,” said Gallicchio. “I’ve paid my dues. I deserve my shot. I believe this is a good ground for me to really show it.

“It’s the biggest season ever, shown worldwide, and I couldn’t ask for a better spotlight for myself, my fighting skills and personality.”