Iwo Baraniewski offered UFC 328 replacement fight against Bogdan Guskov

The UFC has reportedly offered undefeated prospect Iwo Baraniewski a short-notice replacement bout against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9. The offer was confirmed by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd, though as of this writing Baraniewski has not officially accepted the fight. The matchup became available after light heavyweight contender Jan Blachowicz withdrew from the event due to injury.

Blachowicz, the 43-year-old Polish veteran ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division, carries a professional record of 29-11-2 and holds a 78-inch reach advantage over most opponents at six-foot-two. He was averaging 3.44 significant strikes per minute heading into the scheduled contest, with a 49 percent striking accuracy rate.

Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," is ranked tenth in the light heavyweight division and holds an 18-3-1 record. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan is a physically imposing six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach, and he lands significant strikes at a rate of 4.17 per minute with an impressive 55 percent accuracy. He also generates 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, suggesting a well-rounded offensive game.

Baraniewski is a 27-year-old undefeated prospect sitting at 8-0-0. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, the Polish fighter posts a remarkable 70 percent striking accuracy and lands 15.77 significant strikes per minute, numbers that stand out significantly at any level of competition.

Why it matters

• Baraniewski would be stepping in on short notice against a ranked top-ten light heavyweight, a steep ask for any unbeaten prospect
• Guskov's position at number ten means a strong performance from either man carries real divisional implications
• The size and experience gap between the two fighters creates a compelling stylistic contrast on paper
• Official confirmation from Baraniewski's side is still pending, leaving the bout unconfirmed