Ivo Baraniewski has received an official offer from the UFC to step in as a replacement for Jan Blachowicz and face Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328. The news was reported by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd. This comes after Blachowicz withdrew from the bout due to injury. Whether Baraniewski has accepted the short-notice opportunity has not been confirmed in the post. The fight would represent a significant opportunity for the Polish fighter.
The UFC has reportedly extended a short-notice offer to unbeaten prospect Iwo Baraniewski to step in for the injured Jan Blachowicz and face Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9. The news was relayed by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd, though whether Baraniewski has formally accepted the offer has not been confirmed. The bout should be treated as unconfirmed until an official announcement is made.
Blachowicz, the 43-year-old Polish veteran ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division, was originally scheduled to meet Guskov before withdrawing due to injury. Carrying a 29-11-2 record, the six-foot-two southland slugger has been a long-standing presence in the 205-pound ranks, averaging 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy while also contributing on the ground with 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, enters the contest ranked tenth at light heavyweight with an 18-3-1 record. The 33-year-old Uzbek fighter trains out of GOR MMA and stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach. He produces an impressive 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and adds a submission threat, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Baraniewski is an undefeated 27-year-old Polish fighter who carries a perfect 8-0-0 record into the potential matchup. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, he lands a remarkable 15.77 significant strikes per minute at 70 percent accuracy, figures that reflect a highly aggressive and precise striking game.
Why it matters
- Baraniewski would be stepping in on short notice against a ranked top-ten light heavyweight, a steep jump for an unbeaten prospect.
- A win over the tenth-ranked Guskov would immediately place Baraniewski on the divisional map.
- Both fighters are orthodox strikers, setting up a potentially explosive stand-up contest given their combined output.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
