Ivo Baraniewski offered replacement fight against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328

The UFC has offered Polish prospect Iwo Baraniewski a short-notice replacement bout against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9th, with the offer confirmed by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd. The matchup fills the void left by Jan Blachowicz, who was forced to withdraw from a scheduled rematch with Guskov after suffering a torn meniscus. The light heavyweight division would remain intact should Baraniewski accept the deal.

Baraniewski enters the conversation as a perfect 8-0, standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach. The 27-year-old Orthodox striker has posted a striking accuracy of 70 percent and an eye-catching 15.77 significant strikes landed per minute, though he has not yet registered takedown or submission activity in his professional career.

Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, represents a massive step up in competition. The Uzbekistan-based fighter holds a record of 18-3-1 and is currently ranked tenth in the light heavyweight division. The 33-year-old stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, suggesting a willingness to look for finishes on the ground.

Blachowicz, the fifth-ranked light heavyweight and a former division champion, is a 43-year-old Polish veteran carrying a 29-11-2 record. His withdrawal due to a torn meniscus opens the door for Baraniewski but removes what would have been a high-profile rematch from the card.

Why it matters

• Baraniewski would be stepping into the top 10 of the light heavyweight division for the first time, on short notice
• A win over the tenth-ranked Guskov would immediately establish the unbeaten Pole as a serious divisional contender
• The stylistic contrast is sharp — Baraniewski's high-volume striking against Guskov's more measured output and submission threat