Polish fighter Ivo Baranievski has revealed he is considering a UFC offer to step in as a replacement for Jan Blachowicz. Baranievski acknowledged there are both pros and cons to taking the fight, calling it a huge opportunity and noting he's grateful UFC thought of him. He described it as a tough and big fight, especially for only his third UFC appearance. Hot discussions are ongoing between his manager and matchmaker Mick Maynard, with both sides exchanging proposals. Baranievski already has a fight scheduled against Billy Elekana on June 6, making the replacement decision more complex.
Polish fighter Ivo Baranievski is weighing a UFC short-notice offer to step in for Jan Blachowicz, with negotiations still active between his management and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard as of April 20.
Baranievski has been candid about the complexity of the situation, acknowledging there are pros and cons to accepting. He called it a huge opportunity and expressed gratitude that the UFC considered him, while also recognizing it would be a tough and significant fight for someone making only his third UFC appearance. Both sides are currently exchanging proposals, and no deal has been finalized.
The Polish veteran he would be replacing, Jan Blachowicz, is no small obstacle for any fighter at any stage of a career. The 43-year-old orthodox striker holds a record of 29-11-2 and is ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach, Blachowicz averages 3.44 significant strikes per minute and lands more than one takedown per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded and experienced threat.
Adding further complication to the decision is the fact that Baranievski already has a fight booked against Billy Elekana on June 6. Elekana, a 31-year-old southpaw out of Uprising MMA, carries a record of 10-2-0 and presents his own challenges. The American stands six-foot-three with a 77-inch reach and posts a striking accuracy of 56 percent, among the sharper marks in his division.
Why it matters
- Accepting the replacement fight would mark Baranievski's third UFC outing and immediately elevate his profile against a ranked light heavyweight contender.
- Declining protects his existing June 6 matchup with Elekana, which carries its own career development value.
- The ongoing negotiations suggest genuine mutual interest, though the short-notice nature and scheduling conflict make this a genuinely difficult call for the fighter and his team.
