Ivo Baranievski offered Blachowicz replacement vs Guskov at UFC 328

The UFC has offered Ivo Baranievski a short-notice replacement slot against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328, scheduled for May 9, 2026. The move comes after Jan Blachowicz was forced to withdraw from a planned light heavyweight rematch due to injury, with the offer confirmed by Blachowicz's manager, Artur Gwozd. Whether Baranievski has accepted the fight remains unclear.

Blachowicz, the 43-year-old Polish veteran fighting out of WCA Fight Team, carries a professional record of 29-11-2 and holds the fifth-ranked spot in the light heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach, the orthodox striker lands 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy and adds 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes to his game. His withdrawal leaves a notable gap on what had been a high-profile rematch booking.

Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, is the 33-year-old Uzbek contender ranked tenth at light heavyweight with a record of 18-3-1. Representing GOR MMA, he stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and is one of the division's more active strikers, averaging 4.17 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 55 percent accuracy. He contributes virtually no offensive wrestling, but averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, suggesting a willingness to work on the ground when the opportunity arises.

Why it matters

• Guskov's planned rematch with Blachowicz loses significant divisional weight with a replacement opponent stepping in on short notice
• Baranievski would enter without the full camp preparation that Guskov has had, creating an inherent disadvantage
• A ranked Guskov win over a late-replacement opponent carries less rankings momentum than a victory over the fifth-ranked Blachowicz would have