Polish fighter Iwo Baraniewski has revealed he is considering a UFC offer to step in as a replacement for Jan Blachowicz. He acknowledged both the pros and cons of accepting the short-notice opportunity, calling it a huge chance. Baraniewski stated that active discussions are ongoing between his manager and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. He noted that his coaching team is heavily involved in the decision-making process and various proposals have been exchanged. The challenge for Baraniewski is that he already has a fight scheduled against Billy Elekana on June 6, making this only his third UFC appearance and a particularly big step up in competition.
Iwo Baraniewski is weighing a short-notice offer from the UFC to step in and replace fellow Pole Jan Blachowicz, with active negotiations ongoing between his management and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard.
Baraniewski, 27, is undefeated at 8-0 and has made just two appearances in the UFC so far. He is an orthodox striker standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, and his numbers inside the octagon have been eye-catching — landing 15.77 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 70 percent. Stepping in for Blachowicz would represent only his third UFC outing and a steep jump in competition. Baraniewski has acknowledged the decision carries both risks and rewards, describing it as a huge chance. His coaching team is closely involved in the deliberations, and multiple proposals have been exchanged between the two sides.
The man he was already scheduled to face, Billy Elekana, remains on the card for June 6. The American, nicknamed Son of Susie, carries a 10-2 record and trains out of Uprising MMA. The southpaw stands six-foot-three with a 77-inch reach and lands 2.71 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy, also mixing in 0.85 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Blachowicz, the 43-year-old former UFC light heavyweight champion, sits ranked fifth in the division with a record of 29-11-2. The orthodox Pole has a 78-inch reach and averages 3.44 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more experienced and dangerous opponents available in the 205-pound ranks.
Why it matters
- Accepting would make this only Baraniewski's third UFC appearance, an unusually fast step up in profile
- Blachowicz is ranked fifth at light heavyweight, a significant leap for an unbeaten prospect still establishing himself
- Baraniewski's all-striking, zero-takedown style would be tested against a seasoned veteran with genuine power and championship pedigree
- His scheduled bout with Elekana on June 6 adds a logistical complication to the decision
