UFC offers Baraniewski fight with Guskov to replace injured Blachowicz

The UFC has extended an official fight offer to Ivo Baraniewski, asking the undefeated Polish prospect to step in on short notice and face Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9. The news was reported by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd. Whether Baraniewski has accepted the offer remains unconfirmed. He would be replacing fellow countryman Jan Blachowicz, who has been forced out of the originally scheduled matchup due to injury.

Baraniewski enters the picture with a perfect 8-0-0 record at just 27 years old. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, the orthodox striker posts a remarkable 70 percent striking accuracy and lands an eye-catching 15.77 significant strikes per minute, numbers that stand out even among elite competition.

Bogdan Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, is the established light heavyweight on the other side of this potential matchup. The 33-year-old Uzbek fighter representing GOR MMA holds an 18-3-1 record and sits at number 10 in the light heavyweight rankings. Standing six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach, Guskov lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, though he records virtually no takedown activity.

The man Baraniewski would replace, Jan Blachowicz, is a 43-year-old Polish veteran ranked fifth in the division with a 29-11-2 record and a six-foot-two, 198-centimeter reach.

Why it matters

• Baraniewski would be stepping into a ranked light heavyweight contest with no divisional ranking of his own, representing a significant short-notice leap in competition.
• A win over the number 10 ranked Guskov could immediately establish Baraniewski as a legitimate top-15 light heavyweight contender.
• Guskov's submission threat contrasted with Baraniewski's high-volume striking output makes for a notable stylistic clash.