Leocciano Callao

A Brooklyn-based sports writer and journalist, Callao works as a US Sports Reporter for the Daily Mail.

While covering a vast array of sports and leagues, the Philippine native's biggest strengths are his knowledge and experience covering the UFC, WNBA, and NBA. Callao has covered countless games, been assigned to exclusives with combat sports stars, and regularly appears on SportsNet New York (SNY) to preview UFC events.

Before the Mail, he served as a site co-expert (editor) for FanSided's NBA website HoopsHabit and contributed to the network's MMA, NYCFC, and WNBA coverage.

Callao interned at The Brooklyn Paper while studying in the NYC Semester in Journalism program at The King’s College in 2021. He studied Media, Culture, and the Arts at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California, and played four years of college soccer.

Bylines in DailyMail.com, SunStar Philippines, HoopsHabit, FanSided, The Brooklyn Paper, AM New York, Religion Unplugged, The Empire State Tribune, SeaBeggars.com, and Pasadena Now Magazine.

Mail Online • 22nd December 2024

Juju Watkins shines in USC's victory over Paige Bueckers and UConn

Juju Watkins spearheaded USC's valiant effort to beat Paige Bueckers' UConn team as the nation tuned in to one of college basketball's biggest showdowns.On Saturday night, No 7 USC emerged over fourth-ranked UConn, 72-70, despite blowing an 18-point lead in the second half, thanks to Watkins' 25 points.On the other hand, Bueckers finished the game with 22 points.

Mail Online • 20th November 2024

LeBron James rips NBA rivals for passing on Lakers rookie

Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht is having his bright spots in the NBA and LeBron James insists that other teams were heavily mistaken not to draft him in the offseason.In the Lakers' 124-118 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, the Tennessee product shined with a 37-point performance, shooting 12-for-16 from the field and 9-for-12 from three.When James was asked about the Lakers' front office finding the...

Mail Online • 20th November 2024

UFC fans go crazy after realizing employee's bizarre job during fights

A fight night staffer has been hailed as the 'UFC Chairman' after a viral video showcased his unique role in the world's biggest MMA promotion.Instagram page fightspotted posted a montage of Miles Lafosse or 'chair guy' looking out for UFC commentators such as Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, and Jon Anik. 'There's a guy whose only job is to make sure commentators don't miss their chair when sitting back...

Mail Online • 19th November 2024

Dana White pleads with Mark Zuckerberg to help solve major UFC issue

UFC chief Dana White is enlisting Mark Zuckerberg's help to correct the organization's pound-for-pound rankings.White has long campaigned for UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones as the top pound-for-pound and greatest fighter of all time despite his lack of activity.Following Jones' first successful defense of the heavyweight title on Saturday, he moved up the pound-for-pound list but is still short...

Mail Online • 18th November 2024

Why Paige Bueckers may be left disappointed by the WNBA Draft lottery

Projected No 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft Paige Bueckers is likely to land away from her preferred team come April.

On Nov. 17, the WNBA Draft lottery determined the order in which teams will pick in the upcoming draft with the Dallas Wings gaining the honor of the first selection.

While Dallas may be thrilled and likely to select Bueckers, the UConn star previously expre...

Mail Online • 17th November 2024

Jon Jones knocks Stipe Miocic out to retain UFC heavyweight title

And still - Jon Jones, in spectacular fashion, retained his UFC heavyweight title and GOAT status with a TKO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.Miocic put on a better fight than most expected in the clash of titans at Madison Square Garden.However, Jones landed a spinning back kick to Miocic's rib cage at 4:29 in the third round that spelled the beginning of the end for the former champion.The most de...

Mail Online • 17th November 2024

Charles Oliveira defeats Michael Chandler wild UFC 309 co-main event

Not one person was on their seat as Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler put on a classic in the UFC 309 co-main event in Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.At the end of five rounds, Oliveira won all three score cards, 49-46, 49-46, 49-45, in an absolute barn burner of a rematch. In a showdown he won soundly for the first four rounds, Oliveira almost saw himself knock...

Mail Online • 13th November 2024

Warriors stars troll Klay Thompson in hilarious video ahead of reunion

Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors let Klay Thompson know that they will take care of business ahead of his return to Chase Center since leaving the Dubs.After 13 years in the Bay Area, the Warriors legend parted ways with the team to join the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason - ending a legendary era for Golden State.Before his return, the Warriors shared a tribute video with their roster th...

Mail Online • 7th November 2024

Ja Morant trolls LeBron James with brutal social media post

Ja Morant flamed LeBron James on social media after the Memphis Grizzlies' late-game surge led to a 131-114 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.Despite dropping a 39-point performance, James' side fell to the team effort from a young and scrappy Grizzlies squad.As the two stars went head to head, Bleacher Report posted a photo of James giving Morant the 'too small gesture' as the Grizzlie...

Mail Online • 6th November 2024

76ers would consider Joel Embiid trade if off-court issues continue

The Philadelphia 76ers are prepared to part ways with Joel Embiid if his off-court issues continue, an insider has told DailyMail.com.On Tuesday, the seven-time All-Star was handed a three-game suspension by the NBA after he assaulted Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. The incident occurred in the locker room after Philadelphia's 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies over...

Mail Online • 16th October 2024

Cowboy Cerrone comes out of retirement to break all-time record

Over two years after laying his gloves down at the center of the Octagon, Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone is coming out of retirement to pursue all-time status in the UFC.

In July 2022, Cerrone retired with a 36-17 record and 48 combined appearances in the UFC and WEC, dating back to 2007. His exit from the sport came amid a six-fight skid culminating in a submission loss to fellow...

Mail Online • 8th October 2024

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Chandler on Conor McGregor wanting 'easier fights'

Over a month after Michael Chandler shifted his focus away from a blockbuster fight against Conor McGregor, the No 6 UFC lightweight is adamant that the Irish superstar avoided him to get an easy route back to the Octagon.

Mail Online • 22nd September 2024

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson named 2024 WNBA MVP

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson has been named the WNBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2024 season.The 28-year-old forward has won the award for the third time, having been crowned MVP in 2020 and 2022.

Mail Online • 22nd September 2024

UFC star Colby Covington slammed by fans for choking out Lil Pump

Colby Covington is under fire on social media after a video of him choking out rapper Lil Pump went viral.On Saturday, Lil Pump posted a 27-second clip from his upcoming Kick stream, where Covington puts him in a rear naked choke.

Mail Online • 15th September 2024

Merab Dvalishvili dominates Sean O'Malley to win UFC 306 main event

Merab Dvalishvili dominated Sean O'Malley to take the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.In his highly-awaited title shot, Dvalishvili's suffocating grappling took over as he kept the now-former champion O'Malley in clamps for most of the 25-minute affair.

Mail Online • 14th September 2024

Conor McGregor's rival Michael Chandler accepts a different fight

No 6 UFC lightweight Michael Chandler accepted a rematch with former champion Charles Oliveira as the hype around his supposed fight with Conor McGregor fizzles out.

Mail Online • 8th September 2024

Breanna Stewart shines in the Liberty's thrilling win over the Aces

Brooklyn's Barclays Center was nearly filled to the brim as reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart led the New York Liberty in completing the season series sweep, 3-0, over the Las Vegas Aces in a rematch of last year's WNBA Finals.

Mail Online • 8th August 2024

Olympics star reveals SHOCKING condition of his medal after a week

Team USA skateboarder Nyjah Huston revealed the poor condition of his Olympic medal just over a week after competing in Paris.Huston, 29, bagged a bronze medal in the French capital, falling behind gold medalist Yuto Horigome of Japan and fellow American Jagger Eaton in the men's street final.

Mail Online • 1st August 2024

Meet Rebeca Andrade - the Brazilian icon who 'scares' Simone Biles

While Simone Biles has isolated herself in a league of her own, even the most decorated Olympic gymnast acknowledges her toughest of competitions.After losing the vault in last year's world championships to the rival Biles says 'scares me most,' she mimed removing a crown from her head and placing it on Brazil's Rebeca Andrade.However, the crown's placement could again be determined when the American livi...

Mail Online • 10th May 2024

Conor McGregor signs deal to become part-owner of BARE KNUCKLE FC

Conor McGregor made his part ownership of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship official by signing his contract on Thursday.The former two-division UFC champion welcomed BKFC president David Feldman at his Black Forge Inn in Dublin as McGregor ceremoniously signed on the dotted line.

Mail Online • 7th March 2024

Jake Paul is 'smart as hell but dumb as f**k' says Tyron Woodley

While Tyron Woodley praised Jake Paul for landing a fight against boxing legend Mike Tyson, he was equally skeptical about his choice of opponent.On Thursday, it was announced that Paul, 27, will fight the 57-year-old Tyson at AT&T Stadium on July 20. The event will stream on Netflix, which released a 19-second trailer featuring the headliners to parade the announcement.Hours later, the former UFC welterwe...

Skyscraper Blues • 17th September 2023

Was the Hudson River Derby snoozefest the nail in the coffin for NYCFC?

Gone are the days when the Hudson River Derby showcased two competitive teams battling for bragging rights in New York. On Saturday, Sept. 16, New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls were two losing sides slap-fighting for a consolation trophy.

FanSided • 16th September 2023

New York Liberty: defining and protecting home court advantage

After losing their final regular season game at home to the Washington Mystics by a two-point margin on Sunday, the New York Liberty quickly got their rematch to open the first round of their WNBA Playoffs campaign. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Liberty hosted the Mystics again and collected their first postseason win at home since 2015.

FanSided MMA • 14th September 2023

Who owns ONE Championship?

The growth of MMA has been a sight to see in recent years. While the sport, its athletes, and its fans were frowned upon by the general public during its genesis, it has since grown into a mainstream popularity.

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