Guskov intends to stay on UFC 328 card after Blachowicz injury

Bogdan Guskov is pushing to stay active at UFC 328 on May 9th after Jan Blachowicz pulled out of their scheduled light heavyweight clash, with Guskov's team working to find a replacement opponent in time for the event.

Guskov, known as "Czarevitch," holds an 18-3-1 record and sits ranked tenth in the light heavyweight division. The 33-year-old Uzbekistan native, who trains out of GOR MMA, stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and has built a reputation as an active, accurate striker, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, giving him a credible finishing threat on the ground despite not registering offensive takedowns.

Blachowicz, ranked fifth at light heavyweight, carries a 29-11-2 record and brings considerable experience into any matchup. The 43-year-old Polish veteran out of WCA Fight Team stands six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach and lands 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy, while also mixing in takedown attempts at just over one per 15 minutes. The reason for his withdrawal has not been detailed in available reports.

According to Gor Azizyan, Guskov's side is actively pursuing a new opponent rather than waiting for the Blachowicz bout to be rescheduled, a sign the team views consistent activity as a priority.

Why it matters

• A replacement fight could push Guskov toward the top ten or shake up the light heavyweight rankings depending on who steps in
• Guskov's striking volume and submission threat make him a viable short-notice option for several contenders in the division
• Blachowicz's withdrawal leaves a hole in the UFC 328 card that the promotion will need to address with a competitive alternative