Bando's Breakdowns

By Empty The Bench Network

Host Zain Bando gives you his unfiltered hot takes from the world of sports from his own unique perspective

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How many episodes does Bando's Breakdowns have?

The podcast currently has 80 episodes available.

Bando's Breakdowns episodes:

March 20, 2026 March Madness! Big Ten Survival + MVP’s Netflix MMA News
Zain Bando is back in the lab for Episode 82 with an inside look at the most electric stretch of the sports calendar. Fresh off a week at the United Center, Zain recaps his experience working as credentialed media for the Big Ten Tournament. From the atmosphere in Chicago to the high-stakes battles on the hardwood, we discuss the sights and sounds of the tournament and what it’s like to cover the elite programs of the Midwest up close. We also dive into the initial rounds of the NCAA Tournament, analyzing which Big Ten programs have the highest ceiling for a deep run and who is most likely to crumble under the bright lights of the Big Dance.

The conversation shifts to the octagon for a reaction to the massive MVP MMA 1 card set for May 16. With Netflix officially entering the MMA space at the Intuit Dome, we break down the historic main event between trailblazers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. We also react to the additions of Nate Diaz versus Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou’s return against Philippe Lins, debating if this is officially the most star-studded card in the history of the sport. We also preview the upcoming UFC London trip to the O2 Arena featuring Movsar Evloev versus Lerone Murphy and offer a quick recap of the clinical performances at UFC Vegas 114, including Kevin Vallejos’ stunning first-round TKO of Josh Emmett.

In our "One Thing I Saw" segment, we head to the weight room to discuss a viral moment from Illinois High School Football. We break down the absolute insanity of the INSANE bench press numbers coming out of the state and why the strength and conditioning bar is being raised at the prep level.

Finally, we wrap things up with Zain’s Zinger: the definitive argument for why the first day of the NCAA Tournament should officially be recognized as a national holiday.
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36min
March 06, 2026 Conor McGregor SNUBS Prates? + Bruce Pearl Slams Miami (OH)!
On this milestone 80th episode of Bando’s Breakdowns, Zain Bando tackles a massive week of sports drama starting with the shocking reports that Conor McGregor has officially turned down a high-stakes clash against the rising Carlos Prates, raising questions about whether the "Notorious" one is waiting for a legacy fight or simply avoiding the UFC's most dangerous new threat. The combat sports coverage continues as Zain explores the mystery behind Islam Makhachev potentially distancing himself from a matchup with Ian Machado Garry before shifting gears to the hardwood for a way-too-early Big Ten Men’s Basketball tournament outlook as the bracket begins to take its final shape. After recapping the biggest takeaway from UFC Mexico City, Zain dives into the weekend’s biggest controversy involving Bruce Pearl’s dismissive comments regarding Miami (OH) following their battle with Auburn, debating whether the coach's take was cold-blooded honesty or high-level program protection. The episode wraps up with a local twist in Zain’s Zinger as he breaks down why Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was spotted courtside at a Bulls game and what his presence there says about his growing "superstar" status in the Windy City after his historic 2025 playoff run.
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25min
February 27, 2026 Michigan Wolverines deny invite to UFC White House card
On the latest installment of Bando's Breakdowns, host Zain Bando delivers a comprehensive deep dive into a packed week of combat sports and collegiate athletics, beginning with a detailed overview of the current landscape across the UFC and the Big Ten. The episode centers on the rapidly evolving news surrounding the "UFC White House" card, where Zain breaks down Dana White’s recent denials regarding a date change and the logistical hurdles of hosting an unprecedented event on the South Lawn this June. Transitioning from the capital to the cage, Bando recaps an explosive night at UFC Houston that saw Sean Strickland re-enter the title conversation with a clinical TKO of Anthony Hernandez, while also setting the stage for this weekend's return to Arena CDMX for UFC Mexico City, headlined by Brandon Moreno and Lone'er Kavanagh. Moving to the hardwood, the show analyzes the Big Ten Men's Basketball title race following Michigan’s clinch of at least a share of the regular-season crown, examining how the top 18 teams are positioning themselves for the upcoming tournament in Chicago. In a segment titled "One Thing I Saw," Zain addresses the discourse sparked by a Seth Davis tweet concerning media credentials and the evolving nature of access in sports journalism, followed by a polarizing "Zain’s Zinger" where he argues why Team USA deserves a pass despite recent criticisms. Finally, the episode concludes with an insightful interview featuring Jalen Brown, the Co-Founder of Proverse, to discuss the intersection of innovation and the modern athlete experience.
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55min
February 20, 2026 Sean Strickland Gets Reality Check from Ronda Rousey
Welcome to Episode 78 of Bando’s Breakdowns with your host Zain Bando, where we dive deep into the intersection of high-stakes competition and the evolving landscape of modern media. This week, Zain opens the show with a powerful and personal monologue regarding the current state of disability representation within sports media, highlighting both the progress made and the hurdles that remain for inclusive storytelling. The combat sports world is reeling from the massive announcement that legends Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to collide on Netflix this May 16th live from Los Angeles, and we break down what this crossover spectacle means for the streaming giant’s foray into live sports. We also shift gears to the squared circle for an in-depth preview of the clash between Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios before looking ahead to the upcoming UFC Houston card to see which prospects are ready to make a name for themselves. On the hardwood, the Big Ten men’s basketball title race is heating up, and Zain analyzes the momentum shifts as the conference tournament looms. In our "One Thing I Saw" segment, we examine the startling and complex reports surrounding the drug cartel situation involving IMG Academy, and we wrap things up with a controversial Zain’s Zinger that asks the unthinkable: Could powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State ever realistically ditch the Big Ten for a new horizon? All this plus even more insights on the stories moving the needle in the world of sports.
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38min
February 13, 2026 Super Bowl LX sparks Big Ten Basketball Madness
In this action-packed Episode 77 of Bando’s Breakdowns, Zain Bando returns to the mic with a comprehensive overview of the busiest week in the sporting world, beginning with a deep dive into the fallout and festivities of Super Bowl LX. The Octagon takes center stage next as Zain recaps the standout performances from UFC Vegas 113 before breaking down the massive industry news regarding CBS airing a portion of the highly anticipated UFC 326. Shifting gears to the hardwood, the episode analyzes the current Big Ten Men's Basketball landscape and what to expect as the conference race heats up, followed by an essential preview of the upcoming Zuffa Boxing 03 card. In his "One Thing I Saw" segment, Zain explores the seismic shift in college football as NDSU officially prepares for its move to the FBS, and he wraps things up with a controversial "Zain’s Zinger," arguing why more UFC off-weekends actually lead to a better product for the fans.
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28min
February 06, 2026 Dana White's "hat" reveals Super Bowl 60 pick
Welcome to Episode 76 of Bando's Breakdowns with Zain Bando, your premier destination for the intersection of gridiron grit and Octagon action. This week, we dive headfirst into the ultimate NFL showdown with a comprehensive Super Bowl preview and Zain’s official winning pick before shifting gears to the fallout from UFC 325, where Alexander Volkanovski proved his dominance once again in a high-stakes rematch victory over Diego Lopes. The combat sports talk continues as we preview the upcoming UFC Vegas 113 card, recap the latest highlights from Zuffa Boxing 02, and debate Dana White’s controversial selections for his personal boxing Mount Rushmore. Finally, for "One Thing I Saw," we head to the hardwood to analyze the Chicago Bulls' recent aggressive trade moves and investigate the explosive rumors regarding a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo that could reshape the NBA landscape.
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38min
January 30, 2026 Bill Belichick gets snubbed by The Big Ten
In this episode, Zain dives headfirst into a massive week for both the gridiron and the Octagon, beginning with a comprehensive look at the newly released Big Ten Football schedule for every team in the conference. After breaking down the paths to Indianapolis, the focus shifts to the pros with a full-scale NFL Super Bowl preview followed by a heated look at the combat sports world. Zain reacts to Dana White’s latest bombshell claims regarding Conor McGregor’s return and provides a deep-dive preview for the massive UFC 325 rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. The episode continues with the "One Thing I Saw" segment, where Zain explains why Paramount+ has some answering to do following a rocky UFC 324 broadcast experience. This week’s "Zain’s Zinger" pulls no punches while discussing Caitlin Clark’s new NBC role and the shocking report of Bill Belichick being snubbed from the Hall of Fame. Finally, the show wraps up with a Bando’s Breakdowns Exclusive interview featuring Bobby Rome III, the head coach of Chicago State, who discusses the monumental task of building a college football program from the ground up on the South Side.
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1h 2min
January 23, 2026 Indiana goes to NFL conference championships after UFC 324
On this episode of Bando's Breakdowns, Zain Bando reacts to Indiana’s national title win over Miami and previews the AFC and NFC Championship Games following the Bears-Rams clash. The show covers Dana White’s future and his generosity in Miami, a full preview of UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, and a "Zain’s Zinger" on the Big Ten vs. SEC debate. Plus, an exclusive interview with Scott Ramsey, President and CEO of the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl.
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47min
January 16, 2026 Bears send Lynn Jones VIP passes to Indiana vs Miami
On Episode 73 of Bando’s Breakdowns, Zain Bando recaps his NFL Playoffs bracket from the Wildcard Weekend, Mike Tomlin out as Steelers head coach, Ariel Helwani's comments on Dana White being disinterested in the UFC, Lynn Jones/Jaguars interaction AND SO MUCH MORE!
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34min
January 09, 2026 Fernando Mendoza overshadows Bears vs Packers
On Episode 72 of Bando’s Breakdowns, Zain Bando dives into a jam-packed January sports slate. We start with a full NFL Playoff bracket reveal and the high-stakes fallout from a chaotic Black Monday as front offices across the league reset. Zain also previews the historic postseason clash between the Bears and Packers, breaking down the keys to victory in this heated Wild Card matchup. The madness continues on the college side as we navigate the frenzy of the Transfer Portal and deliver official picks for the CFP Semifinal showdowns. From coaching carousels to playoff predictions and everything in between, Zain has you covered for the biggest week in football.
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45min

FAQs about Bando's Breakdowns:

How many episodes does Bando's Breakdowns have?

The podcast currently has 80 episodes available.