UFC offers Baraniewski bout with Guskov as Blachowicz replacement

The UFC has extended a short-notice offer to Polish prospect Iwo Baraniewski to step in and face Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328, scheduled for May 9. The offer was confirmed by Baraniewski's manager, Artur Gwozd. The matchup became available after Jan Blachowicz withdrew from his original booking against Guskov due to a meniscus injury. As of the report date, Baraniewski has not yet confirmed whether he has accepted.

Baraniewski enters the picture as an unbeaten 27-year-old standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach. His professional record sits at a perfect 8-0, and his statistical profile is eye-catching — he lands an extraordinary 15.77 significant strikes per minute at a 70 percent accuracy rate, among the highest output figures in the sport.

Bogdan Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, is ranked tenth in the light heavyweight division with an 18-3-1 record. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan trains out of GOR MMA 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, suggesting a willingness to mix his attack across disciplines. He has recorded zero takedowns per 15 minutes, indicating a primarily stand-up and submission-based approach.

Blachowicz, ranked fifth at light heavyweight, carried a 29-11-2 record into his scheduled appearance. The 43-year-old veteran from Poland will now sit on the sidelines as he recovers from the knee injury.

Why it matters

• Baraniewski would be making a significant step up in competition on short notice against a ranked top-ten light heavyweight
• A win for either fighter carries clear divisional rankings implications in a competitive 205-pound weight class
• The stylistic contrast is notable — Baraniewski's elite striking volume against Guskov's high striking accuracy and active submission game