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

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UFC CEO Dana White Guarantees Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Title Fight in 2025

UFC CEO Dana White enthusiastically confirmed that Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is the biggest fight that can be made next year.

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UFC Tampa: Covington vs. Buckley Full Card, Stream, Start Time, Odds, More

The final UFC event of the year features a crucial welterweight headliner that could reshape the division's landscape for the upcoming year.

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Ex-UFC Champ Calls Out 'Scumbag' LeBron James For Viral 'Diddy Party' Comment

Former UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington opened his UFC Tampa pre-fight media scrum by attacking future NBA legend LeBron James

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'You Got F*****' - Dana White Apologizes To Alexander Volkov Following UFC 310 Loss

Dana White consoled UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov after losing his rematch to Ciryl Gane at UFC 310.

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Jul 9, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor is greeted by UFC president Dana White during weigh ins for UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Dana White Provides Uninspiring Statement on Conor McGregor's UFC Future

UFC CEO Dana White had a not-so-promising update regarding the promotion's biggest star.

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Jake Paul Rips 'Clout Chasing' Dana White for OnlyFans Model Collab

'Ego has no age limit,' Paul slams White.

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UFC 310 artist series poster by @ryokkes_draw2
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UFC 310: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura Full Card, Stream, Start Time, Odds

Get the lowdown on the final UFC pay-per-view of the year tonight, headlined by a flyweight title fight between champion Alexandre Pantoja and former two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura.

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UFC 310 Main Card Predictions: Does Garry Upset Rakhmonov?

MMAKO staff pick UFC 310 main card winners.

Mathew Riddle, Christopher De Santiago, Drew Beaupre, Zain Bando
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Mar 4, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UFC president Dana White (left) greets fighter Jon Jones during a press conference prior to weigh-ins for UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Dana White Refutes Instagram Post Suggesting UFC Heavyweight Champ Jon Jones Will Not Fight Tom Aspinall

UFC CEO Dana White lurked in the comments of a popular MMA Instagram account, confirming the plan for heavyweight champion Jon Jones' next fight.

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PFL CEO Open to Mega Fight Between UFC Champ Jon Jones & Francis Ngannou

Is a Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight possible?

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Veteran Fighter Jarringly Asserts the UFC "Doesn't Need" Conor McGregor

Former TUF competitor and UFC veteran Brendan Schaub gave a harsh reality regarding former champion Conor McGregor.

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UFC Legend Claims "Conversations Have Already Started" for Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping provided an update regarding Jon Jones' next title defense, and it's promising. Bisping serves as a color commentator and desk analyst for the promotion.

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