Bogdan Guskov has expressed interest in fighting Paulo Costa in the octagon. However, according to Ivo Baraniewski, he agreed to face Guskov but Bogdan did not accept the bout. Baraniewski stated he is ready to compete at any time and intends to make Guskov regret his words. Gor Azizyan added that Guskov has been vocal after beating Kopylov and Azamat, and suggested it is time to cut his wings. Azizyan noted that if Guskov does not accept the fight, he should stop calling out Russian fighters. The post includes a poll asking fans if they want to see the matchup.
Bogdan Guskov has publicly called out former UFC middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa, but a separate dispute has emerged after unbeaten prospect Iwo Baraniewski claimed Guskov turned down a fight that had already been agreed to.
Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," holds an 18-3-1 record and 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 trains out of GOR MMA. He has been active in the upper tier of the division, with recent wins over Kopylov and Azamat drawing attention. He attempts 1.1 submissions per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a 55 percent accuracy rate.
Costa, ranked thirteenth at middleweight, carries a 16-4 record and one of the most eye-catching striking profiles in his division. The 35-year-old Brazilian lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect his pressure-heavy, high-output style. A fight with Guskov would cross divisional lines, as Costa competes at 185 pounds.
Baraniewski, the 27-year-old undefeated Orthodox fighter standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, is 8-0 and has posted striking numbers that stand out sharply — 15.77 significant strikes landed per minute at a remarkable 70 percent accuracy. He stated publicly that he accepted the matchup with Guskov and is ready to fight at any time, warning that Guskov will regret his words. Gor Azizyan echoed that sentiment, suggesting Guskov has grown vocal following his recent wins and that if he refuses the bout, he should stop targeting Russian fighters.
Why it matters
- Guskov calling out Costa would be a cross-divisional matchup with significant name value
- Baraniewski's accusation puts Guskov's credibility as a callout artist under scrutiny
- An 8-0 Baraniewski with elite striking accuracy represents a legitimate threat if the fight materializes
- The dispute adds friction around Guskov at a moment when he is pushing for higher-profile opponents
