Tristar staple: UFC Winnipeg a 17-year journey for 'Rat Garbage' Mandel Nallo
Mandel Nallo has been a Tristar staple for decades, helping Georges St-Pierre in his heyday. Saturday, he makes his long-awaited UFC debut.
Founded in 1991, Tristar Gym has proven to be a thing of the past, present and future. Coach Firas Zahabi purchased the Montreal gym in 2008 from Alexandre Choko, who bought it from Conrad Pla, Michel Lavallée and Ron Di Cecco. While it was already quite established, Zahabi would take it to the next level.
Less than two years after Zahabi took over, a young fighter with a couple amateur fights walked through door on an invite from a local promoter who thought he was good enough to give training with the pros a shot. So Nallo called his buddies and let them know he was bailing on plans to take a little trip up to the lake to drink that weekend. Nallo wasn't intimidated.
He was starstruck and excited. He saw Ivan Menjivar and David Louiseau. There was Yves Jabouin.
Of course, Nallo recalls the aura of Georges St-Pierre in his prime, soaked in sweat, setting the tone with his unmatched work output. Before long, Nallo established himself as an integral figure in the Tristar Gym and culture. He wasn't just seeking out help.