Bogdan Guskov has expressed interest in fighting Paulo Costa in the UFC octagon. A dispute has emerged regarding a potential matchup with Ivo Baraniewski, with Baraniewski claiming he accepted the fight but Guskov declined. Gor Azizyan commented on the situation, suggesting that Guskov's recent victories over Kopylova and Azamat have made him overconfident and that someone needs to humble him. The post includes statements from both fighters' camps regarding the matchup negotiations. Details about why Guskov allegedly rejected the Baraniewski fight remain unclear.
Bogdan Guskov has publicly called out middleweight contender Paulo Costa while simultaneously finding himself at the center of a separate matchmaking dispute involving unbeaten fighter Iwo Baraniewski.
Guskov, fighting out of GOR MMA, holds an 18-3-1 record and currently sits ranked tenth in the UFC light heavyweight division. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and brings a well-rounded game to the octagon, averaging 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy while also posting 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His recent victories, reportedly over Kopylova and Azamat, appear to have elevated his confidence and his ambitions.
Paulo Costa, ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division, carries a 16-4-0 record and remains one of the sport's most feared strikers at 35 years old. The Brazilian known as "The Eraser" lands an imposing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him a dangerous target for any fighter looking to make a statement.
The situation is complicated by claims from Baraniewski's camp that the Polish prospect, who is undefeated at 8-0-0, accepted a fight with Guskov only to have Guskov decline. Baraniewski is just 27 years old and puts up eye-catching numbers, landing 15.77 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 70 percent accuracy across his career. Gor Azizyan weighed in on the dispute, suggesting that Guskov's recent wins have made him overconfident and that someone needs to humble him.
Why it matters
- Guskov pursuing Costa would represent a cross-divisional callout, as the two fighters compete in separate weight classes
- The Baraniewski dispute raises questions about Guskov's willingness to take on emerging undefeated competition
- Azizyan's public comments signal tension within the matchmaking process that could shape Guskov's next booking
