Dennis Trillo with UFC Welterweight Champ Georges St. Pierre

Text and photos by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

It isn’t often that people see a celeb go gaga over an internationally renowned athlete (at least not in person). But no one can blame Dennis Trillo at all; in this case the international figure is UFC Welter weight champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre. In a meet and greet and a real practice session at the Mall of Asia Music Hall last Saturday Sept. 25,  thousands of fans got to fulfill their dream of seeing GSP in person. The event was organized by balls channel.

GSP practices the back spin elbow

Kathy Solis of ABS CBN w Dennis Trill of "Endless Love" Fame from GMA

Dennis Trillo is one of the hottest stars in the top rating show “Endless Love” series on GMA. He is cast across Marian Rivera, Ding Dong Dantes and Tirso Cruz III. Dennis is also the lead in an upcoming film “Rosario” at the Metro Manila Film Fest this December. Jenelyn Mercado is the lead actress for “Rosario”, the movie is a first since his much publicized reconciliation with the hot actress.  Sid Lucero is also one of the co-stars in the film directed by Albert Martinez. Seeing a star like Dennis waiting anxiously for GSP is interesting to watch. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that GSP is the most athletically gifted fighter and Champion in the UFC today.

GSP had a real practice session in front of fans at MoA

St. Pierre hails from Canada and is much revered there in the way we Filipinos worship our very own Pambansang Kamao, Manny Pacquiao. In Trillo’s words, “GSP is the best pound for pound champion in the UFC, incredibly well rounded. He has complete wrestling and striking skills.” Dennis was rattling off more stats and descriptions than I could write and was sounding more like sportscaster Joe Rogan. “What sets him apart from other fighters is the respect he shows to his opponents, even that is champion level.”

The screen seemed seamless and whole, until it parted in the middle to reveal GSP going up the stage

Dennis was impressive with his MMA knowledge and has been a fan of the UFC since the nineties. Even if I was a Sports Editor in college I’m a 100% sure he knows more than I do about the world of the UFC. He made the impression after I asked his opinion on some of the burning questions not just about GSP but MMA in general.

Dennis showed his own Fleur De Lis ink in homage to his idol.

Trillo’s favorite fighters apart from GSP include brother’s Nick and Nate Diaz and Jose Aldo in the WEC. He also believes that Chuck Lidell can still mix it up and would be a great match for Randy Couture. Lidell however according to him is, “still more well rounded.”

His most unforgettable fight is Griffin vs Bonnar, the final of “The Ultimate Fighter” and put the UFC on the map. A dream match for him would be: GSP vs Anderson Silva, with GSP going up to middleweight or at a catch weight both are comfortable in. Trillo predicts that GSP will win because Silva has always had a tough time with wrestlers. Referring to Silva’s last fight he said, “Chael Sonnen was weak in striking but was still able to push Silva with his takedowns. GSP can win either by submission or a KO.” Another bold prediction by Trillo is his pick on Cain Velasquez winning over current Heavy Weight Champion Brock Lesnar in UFC 116.

There was a mad rush to get GSP's autograph

Dennis shows off the GSP autograph on his collectible figure

After watching the GSP’s practice, Dennis was one of many fans asking for an autograph. The difference is that Trillo has a rare collectible GSP figure that is still sealed in its original packaging. He proudly showed the signature on the box moments after.

One of the shots I showed off to Dennis during the meet and greet was one of GSP going backstage and his tattoo at the back of his right leg. Dennis explained to me that it was the “Fleur De Lis”, a symbol that means a balance between mind and body. Then Dennis showed an even bigger and colorful tattoo of the same symbol on his own leg. That threw me off. Was Dennis also following GSP to his hotel in EDSA Shangrila? The tattoo was clear evidence that he truly idolizes St. Pierre. And NO, Dennis is NOT a stalker.

Photographers Howell and Erson

Dennis Trillo poses with the lovely Len Buning Marketing officer at SM MoA