Polish fighter Ivo Baraniewski has confirmed he is considering the UFC's offer to replace Jan Blachowicz. Baraniewski acknowledged both pros and cons to accepting the opportunity and described it as a huge chance. He stated that hot discussions are ongoing between his manager and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. The fighter noted this would be a big fight even for his third UFC appearance and that his coaches are also key decision-makers in the process. Baraniewski already has a scheduled bout against Billy Elekana on June 6, which complicates the replacement scenario.
Polish prospect Iwo Baraniewski has confirmed he is weighing a UFC offer to step in as a last-minute replacement for Jan Blachowicz, with active negotiations taking place between his management team and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard.
Baraniewski, 27, enters the conversation riding an unbeaten professional record of 8-0. The orthodox striker stands six feet tall with a 73-inch reach and has posted eye-catching numbers inside the octagon, landing 15.77 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 70 percent. He described the opportunity as a huge chance while acknowledging there are both pros and cons to accepting, and noted his coaches will play a key role in the final decision. Complicating matters is an already-scheduled bout against Billy Elekana set for June 6, which would need to be resolved before any replacement booking could be confirmed. This would mark only his third UFC appearance.
The fighter he would replace, Jan Blachowicz, is a 43-year-old Polish veteran ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division with a professional record of 29-11-2. The former light heavyweight champion stands six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach and averages 3.44 significant strikes per minute, also contributing 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career.
Elekana, 31, is also a notable name in the equation. The southpaw from the United States carries a 10-2 record and competes out of Uprising MMA. Standing six-foot-three with a 77-inch reach, he lands 2.71 significant strikes per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Baraniewski stepping in for a ranked veteran like Blachowicz would be a significant leap for a fighter only two bouts into his UFC tenure.
- Any agreement would likely require the Elekana bout to be restructured or postponed.
- Talks remain ongoing and no official booking has been confirmed.
