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 Vegas 99: Hernandez vs. Pereira Start Time, Stream, Odds

Get the lowdown on UFC Vegas 99 tonight from the UFC APEX.

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Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira embrace following their UFC Vegas 98 war.
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A VIP Experience At UFC Vegas 98 Tops A Four-Day Trip To Remember Forever

MMAKO's Zain Bando was at the UFC APEX for UFC Vegas 98 with a unique twist to go along with it.

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UFC Vegas 98: Royval vs Taira Full Card, Stream, Start Time, Odds

The UFC's October surge returns to Las Vegas for the next two weekends, beginning with a potential flyweight title eliminator.

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Kickboxer Who Beat Alex Pereira Joins the UFC After Impressing Dana White

Thanks to light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, Artem Vakhitov's quick KO earned him a UFC contract just four fights into his MMA career.

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MMA and Boxing Today - UFC Returns to APEX, Beterbiev vs. Bivol & More

MMAKO's Zain Bando is back with his latest thoughts on the world in combat sports.

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Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Alex Pereira Updates Fans on his Future Following UFC 307 Title Fight

The UFC light heavyweight champion feels he has done enough to take some much-needed time off.

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UFC CEO Dana White takes questions from the media during a press conference.
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UFC CEO Dana White Bothered By 'Atrocious' UFC 307 Judging, Refereeing

Dana White was not pleased with various aspects during UFC 307 Saturday night.

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Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Julianna Peña Was 'Not Impressed' With Ex-PFL Standout's Title Shot Clincher

Two-time UFC women's bantamweight champion discredited Kayla Harrison after both women earned decisions at UFC 307 Saturday night.

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Oct 5, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Ketlen Vieira (red gloves) fights Kayla Harrison (blue gloves) during UFC 307 at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Kayla Harrison Batters Ketlen Vieira in One-Sided UFC 307 Fight

Former PFL star Kayla Harrison might have clinched a women's bantamweight title shot following her win at UFC 307.

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Kickboxer Who Beat Alex Pereira Is Chasing Him to the UFC

Artem Vakhitov is one impressive win away from earning a UFC contract while chasing Alex Pereira for a rematch in MMA.

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UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Card, TV Channel, Start Time, Odds

The UFC is back in Salt Lake City for the third-straight year, featuring two title fights and the return of Alex Pereira.

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Sep 9, 2023; Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA; Israel Adesanya reacts during his fight with Sean Strickland (not pictured) in UFC 293 at Qudos Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-Imagn Images
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Israel Adesanya Boldly Predicts Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is riding with Alex Pereira to earn a stoppage against Khalil Rountree Jr. Saturday night.

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