Zain Bando

Zain Bando

Joined: Oct 6, 2023

Zain Bando is a combat sports columnist and reporter for Gameday Media’s MMA Knockout. A Northwestern Medill School of Journalism and Illinois alumnus, Bando specializes in tactical analysis, breaking news, and exclusive executive interviews across the UFC and PFL. His versatile background also includes extensive Big Ten football and men’s basketball coverage, with bylines featured in The Sporting News, FanSided, and Men's Journal. Contact him at zainbando99@gmail.com.

Promotional material for UFC Belgrade

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Apr 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, UNITED STATES; Carlos Ulberg (blue gloves) enters the arena before the fight against Jiri Prochazka (red gloves) during UFC 327 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Sean Strickland (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

News

The former UFC Middleweight Champion has some unfinished business left to handle.

News

The UFC heads to a popular international destination for its late October numbered event.

Carlos Ulberg extended his winning streak to nine fights in the UFC Perth main event.

News

The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion was left disinterested after UFC Abu Dhabi.

May 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Salahdine Parnasse (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Kenny Cross (red gloves) in a featherweight bout at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

Salahdine Parnasse finally has his first UFC opponent.

Promotional material for UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi.

News

Set alarms bright and early to not miss a moment of UFC Abu Dhabi for U.S.-based viewers.

January 1, 2007; (exact date unknown); Columbus, OH; Former OSU wrestler Mike DiSabato, right, with wrestling teammate and former UFC fighter Mark Coleman during a fundraiser in Columbus in 2007. Mandatory Credit: Tim Johnson/Columbus Monthly-USA TODAY NETWORK

News

VICE TV will renew 'Dark Side of the Cage' for a second season, which includes episodes perfect for hardcore UFC fans.

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

"Suga" still trusts Conor McGregor following McGregor's UFC 329 performance.

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC president Dana White during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

Dana White didn't hold back when discussing why the UFC pivoted toward Fight Island.

Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Charles Oliveira (not pictured) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This is an interesting take here from UFC legend Charles Oliveira.

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC president Dana White in attendance during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The UFC CEO didn't hold back regarding how he and the UFC matchmakers come to their collective decisions.

Colby Covington ignites the crowd in RAF 11's main event vs. Arman Tsarukyan from UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wis.

There was no love lost between former UFC star Colby Covington and ex-welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

UFC CEO Dana White delivered a non-ideal update regarding Conor McGregor's health status.