Polish fighter Ivo Baraniewski has issued a statement regarding the UFC's offer for him to step in as a replacement for Jan Błachowicz. Baraniewski acknowledged it is a huge opportunity and confirmed that hot discussions are ongoing between his manager and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. He noted that some offers have been made and counterproposals submitted, with his coaches playing a key decision-making role. However, he emphasized that this would be a tough, high-level fight, especially for only his third UFC appearance. Baraniewski already has a scheduled bout against Billy Elekana on June 6, adding complexity to the decision.
Polish light heavyweight contender Iwo Baraniewski has released a statement confirming he is in active negotiations with the UFC over a potential replacement bout on the organization's June card, though no deal has been finalized as of this report.
Baraniewski, who goes 8-0-0 and is just 27 years old, acknowledged the magnitude of the opportunity while tempering expectations around a quick resolution. He confirmed that his manager and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard have exchanged offers and counterproposals, with his coaching staff playing a central role in the final decision. The unbeaten Orthodox striker is one of the more statistically striking figures in his division, landing an eye-catching 15.77 significant strikes per minute at a 70 percent accuracy rate. He stands six feet tall with a 73-inch reach. Crucially, this would be only his third UFC appearance, a fact he himself flagged as a significant consideration given the high-level nature of the matchup.
Complicating matters further, Baraniewski is already scheduled to face Billy Elekana on June 6, meaning any replacement assignment would require untangling existing commitments.
Elekana, 31, carries a 10-2-0 record and fights out of Uprising MMA. The six-foot-three southpaw boasts a 77-inch reach and lands 2.71 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy, while also contributing on the ground with 0.85 takedowns and 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Baraniewski remains undefeated and a high-profile replacement slot could dramatically accelerate his UFC trajectory.
- The report is unconfirmed, with negotiations described as ongoing and no agreement in place.
- His existing booking against Elekana adds a logistical wrinkle that could ultimately determine whether a deal gets done.
- A fight of this caliber in only his third UFC outing would represent a significant step up in competition for the Polish prospect.
