Canadian lightweight prospect Mandel Nallo is set to make his long-awaited UFC debut this spring, as he steps into the Octagon at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The 36-year-old veteran will face England’s Jai Herbert in a lightweight bout scheduled for April 18 at the Canada Life Centre, marking a significant milestone in Nallo’s career after more than a decade competing on the regional and Bellator scenes.
Nallo (14-3, 1 NC) earned his UFC contract in emphatic fashion with a first-round knockout victory over Samuel Silva on Dana White’s Contender Series, extending a streak of five consecutive first-round finishes. His signing came at age 36, making him one of the oldest fighters to secure a UFC deal through the series, but his aggressive style and finishing ability quickly turned heads.
A longtime staple of the Canadian MMA circuit, Nallo has spent years refining his craft between Toronto and Montreal, training alongside elite talent at Tristar Gym. His journey—from early career setbacks to a late-career surge—has made his arrival in the UFC one of the more compelling stories on the Winnipeg card.
Now, with his debut officially booked, Nallo has the opportunity to immediately establish himself in the UFC’s lightweight division. A victory over the experienced Herbert could position the Canadian newcomer as a name to watch in 2026.
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