UFC offers Baraniewski replacement bout against Guskov at UFC 328

The UFC has extended an official fight offer to Ivo Baraniewski, asking the unbeaten prospect to step in and face Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9. Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd, confirmed the offer, which comes after Jan Blachowicz was forced to withdraw from a scheduled rematch with Guskov due to a torn meniscus. The promotion moved quickly to secure a replacement for the light heavyweight contest.

Baraniewski is a 27-year-old undefeated fighter carrying a perfect 8-0 record. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, the orthodox striker brings eye-catching numbers to the table, landing an extraordinary 15.77 significant strikes per minute at a 70 percent accuracy rate. He has yet to be submitted or stopped in his professional career.

Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, enters the bout ranked tenth in the light heavyweight division with an 18-3-1 record. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and produces 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, adding a grappling threat to his considerable output. He trains out of GOR MMA.

Blachowicz, the fifth-ranked light heavyweight and a former champion, now watches from the sidelines. The 43-year-old Pole carries a 29-11-2 record and a 78-inch reach, and his torn meniscus ends his involvement in the UFC 328 card entirely.

Why it matters

• Baraniewski's undefeated record and elite striking accuracy make him a compelling late replacement, but a step up in competition against a ranked opponent is significant.
• A win for Guskov over a rising unbeaten fighter could strengthen his case for a higher-profile matchup in the light heavyweight division.
• The style matchup pits two orthodox strikers against each other, though Guskov's submission attempts add a potential wrinkle on the ground.