Baraniewski offered replacement bout against Guskov at UFC 328

The UFC has extended a formal offer to unbeaten Polish prospect Iwo Baraniewski to step in as a last-minute replacement for Jan Blachowicz and face Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9. The offer was disclosed by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd. Blachowicz was forced to withdraw from the originally scheduled rematch after suffering a torn meniscus. As of the report date, Baraniewski had not yet confirmed whether he will accept.

Baraniewski is a 27-year-old orthodox fighter standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach. He carries a perfect 8-0-0 professional record and would be taking this assignment on short notice. His striking numbers are striking in their own right — he lands 15.77 significant strikes per minute at a 70 percent accuracy rate, figures that rank among the most aggressive in any division.

Guskov, known as "Czarevitch," is ranked tenth in the light heavyweight division at 33 years old. The Uzbek representative of GOR MMA holds an 18-3-1 record and stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach. He lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a threat in multiple phases.

Blachowicz, ranked fifth at light heavyweight, is a 43-year-old Polish veteran with a 29-11-2 record. His withdrawal creates an opening that Baraniewski, a fellow Pole, has now been asked to fill on short notice.

Why it matters

• Guskov, ranked tenth, would face a significant step up in competition if Baraniewski accepts, given the unbeaten prospect's explosive striking output
• A win for either fighter carries meaningful divisional implications in a crowded light heavyweight rankings picture
• The bout would be Baraniewski's most high-profile appearance, and a short-notice acceptance would test his readiness against an established UFC contender