Guskov willing to stay on UFC 328 card if replacement opponent found

Bogdan Guskov is prepared to stay on the UFC 328 card scheduled for May 9th, provided the promotion can find him a new opponent, according to his manager Gor Azizyan. The news comes after Jan Blachowicz pulled out of their planned rematch due to injury, leaving Guskov without a dance partner weeks out from the event. The UFC is actively working to secure a replacement, though no specific names have been announced.

Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," enters this situation as the tenth-ranked light heavyweight in the world. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan carries an 18-3-1 record and fights out of GOR MMA. Standing six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach, the orthodox striker has built a reputation for high-volume offense, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, adding a submission dimension to his game.

On the other side, fifth-ranked contender Blachowicz is now on the shelf. The 43-year-old Polish veteran holds a 29-11-2 record and fights out of WCA Fight Team. Standing six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach, Blachowicz lands 3.44 significant strikes per minute and mixes in 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes, bringing well-rounded experience accumulated over a long career at the top of the division.

Why it matters

• Guskov risks losing a high-profile slot that could push him up the divisional ladder
• A win over any ranked replacement could still strengthen his top-ten position at 205 pounds
• The light heavyweight division loses a ranked matchup either way, affecting the contender picture above the fifth spot
• Fan opinion remains divided on whether Guskov should accept a short-notice opponent or hold out for the Blachowicz rematch