Longtime Tristar Gym standout Mandel Nallo is finally set to make his UFC debut, drawing Jai Herbert in a featured bout at UFC Fight Night 273 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Nallo, 36, arrives in the UFC after a long run as an integral member of Montreal’s famed Tristar Gym, where he trained alongside Georges St-Pierre. He first joined the team less than two years after Firas Zahabi purchased the gym in 2008, later helping St-Pierre prepare for the Carlos Condit fight and training with him in New York at Renzo’s.
“I stumbled into that as a kid. The best fighter in the world was preparing for fights alongside me. I sparred Georges one round for the (Carlos) Condit camp, and he said I’d be a good body type for him. He flew me to New York to train at Renzo’s for a week when I was 18 or 19. It was truly exceptional. I still remember cab rides to training and going to a Russian spa. It was a special time,” Nallo said.
After departing Bellator in 2023, Nallo was offered a Dana White’s Contender Series slot by UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby despite his age. He capitalized on the opportunity by knocking out Cage Warriors champion Samuel Sanches in the first round, earning a UFC contract from Dana White.
“The desire to train and get better is still burning bright. I have the support of my team and family. The goal is a world title. If that’s not your goal, I don’t think the sport is for you. I’m not just happy making it to the show. I think I’m good enough to push for a shot,” Nallo said.
