The UFC has officially offered Ivo Baraniewski a fight against Bogdan Guskov as a replacement for the injured Jan Blachowicz at UFC 328. The information was reported by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd. This comes after Blachowicz withdrew due to a torn meniscus. The Polish fighter would step in on relatively short notice for the May 9 event. Whether Baraniewski has accepted the offer or if other replacements are being considered remains unclear from this report.
The UFC has extended a fight offer to Ivo Baraniewski, asking the undefeated prospect to step in against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9, replacing Jan Blachowicz, who has been forced out of the bout with a torn meniscus. The offer was disclosed by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd, though it remains unclear at this stage whether Baraniewski has accepted or whether the promotion is pursuing additional replacement options.
Blachowicz, the 43-year-old Polish veteran ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division, carries a professional record of 29-11-2. The six-foot-two orthodox fighter boasts a 78-inch reach and has long been a fixture near the top of the 205-pound rankings, landing 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy across his career.
Guskov, ranked tenth at light heavyweight, holds an 18-3-1 record and fights out of GOR MMA representing Uzbekistan. The 33-year-old, nicknamed Czarevitch, stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and generates an impressive striking output of 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, adding a grappling dimension to his game.
The potential replacement, Baraniewski, is just 27 years old and brings a perfect 8-0-0 record into the conversation. The six-foot orthodox fighter carries a 73-inch reach and has posted a remarkable 70 percent striking accuracy alongside a striking rate of 15.77 significant strikes per minute, though the sample size behind those numbers warrants context for a fighter still early in his career.
Why it matters
- Blachowicz's withdrawal reshuffles the light heavyweight rankings picture at UFC 328
- Guskov, ranked tenth, faces a significant stylistic test against an unbeaten and highly accurate striker
- Baraniewski would be stepping in on relatively short notice, adding additional risk for the undefeated prospect
- No official confirmation of acceptance means the card's light heavyweight slot remains unsettled
Saturday, May 9, 2026
