MMA Knockout
Zain Bando

Zain Bando

Joined: Oct 6, 2023

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

News

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Full Card, Stream, Start Time, Odds, How To Watch On Netflix

Find out all the goodies ahead of Friday night's boxing spectacle between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.

Zain Bando
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Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC CEO and president Dana White during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
News

UFC CEO Dana White Axes Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira, Promises Tom Aspinall Next

UFC CEO Dana White took a hard stance on who should be next for the winner of Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic.

Zain Bando
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Boxing

Tyson vs. Paul MMAKO Staff Predictions: Does 'Iron' Mike Turn Back Time?

MMA Knockout staff predicts Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson this week.

Mathew Riddle, Christopher De Santiago, Drew Beaupre, Zain Bando
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Feb 8, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Jon Jones (red gloves) after his win against Dominick Reyes (not pictured) during UFC 247 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Spine-Tingling UFC Cold Open Will Leave You Speechless Ahead of Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

UFC 309 is three days away and the pay-per-view cold open has finally dropped.

Zain Bando
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Feb 8, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Jon Jones (red gloves) fights Dominick Reyes (not pictured) during UFC 247 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
News

Resurfaced Viral Photo Showcases UFC Legends In Their Sparring Element Ahead Of UFC 309

Jon Jones and Anderson Silva showed off their skills when sparring in 2013.

Zain Bando
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News

Dana White Responds to Speculation About Joining Donald Trump’s Presidential Team

Don't expect the UFC CEO to dive into politics in the near future, especially with Donald Trump back in office.

Zain Bando
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Conor McGregor Names the Toughest Opponent of His Career - and It’s Not Khabib

The former UFC two-division champion is confident he has already fought his stiffest test.

Zain Bando
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UFC

UFC Vegas 100: Magny vs. Prates Full Card, Start Time, Odds, More

Get the lowdown on UFC Vegas 100, which is the promotion's last APEX-based event of the year.

Zain Bando
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June 27, 2020; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dustin Poirier (red gloves) punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at the UFC APEX. Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Imagn Images

UFC Exec Confirms Fewer APEX Fight Nights in 2025

The UFC APEX is here to stay, at least in 2025.

Zain Bando
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Feb 15, 2020; Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA; UFC fighter Jon Jones attends the light heavyweight bout between Jan Blachowicz (blue) and Corey Anderson (red) during UFC Fight Night at Santa Ana Star Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
News

UFC 309's Latest Promo Reaches Legendary Status Featuring Jones, Miocic

UFC 309 is under two weeks away, and the event's newest promo has MMA fans drooling.

Zain Bando
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May 4, 2024; Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BRAZIL; (Editor’s Note: Graphic Content in Photo) Alexandre Pantoja during Press Conference during UFC 301 at Farmasi Arena . Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-Imagn Images
News

Alexandre Pantoja Takes Dig at Brandon Moreno After UFC Edmonton: 'My Son'

The UFC flyweight champion had some choice words for Brandon Moreno after his UFC Edmonton win.

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News

UFC Edmonton: Moreno vs. Albazi Card, Stream, Start Time, Odds

Get the lowdown on tonight's UFC card from Edmonton.

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