Bogdan Guskov calls out Paulo Costa, denies Baranievski bout claim

Bogdan Guskov has publicly called out Paulo Costa while finding himself at the center of a counter-accusation, with fellow fighter Ivo Baranievski claiming Guskov refused an already-agreed bout between the two.

Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," is ranked tenth in the UFC light heavyweight division and carries an 18-3-1 record. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and trains out of GOR MMA. He lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, pointing to a well-rounded offensive game. His recent wins over Kopylov and Azamat have given him a platform, and he has been using it to target bigger names.

Paulo Costa, ranked thirteenth at middleweight, would represent a cross-divisional matchup if the bout were ever made. The Brazilian, known as "The Eraser," holds a 16-4-0 record and is 35 years old. Standing six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa is one of the most prolific strikers in the UFC, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy. He averages just 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him almost exclusively a stand-up threat.

The situation has drawn commentary from Gor Azizyan, who suggested Guskov has been loudly calling out opponents since his recent victories but has not accepted Baranievski's challenge. Azizyan stated that if Guskov continues to avoid Baranievski, he should stop publicly targeting Russian fighters altogether.

Why it matters

• Guskov is positioned inside the light heavyweight top ten, making a high-profile win valuable for his divisional climb
• A potential cross-divisional clash with Costa would be unconventional and remains unconfirmed by any official party
• The Baranievski dispute raises questions about Guskov's willingness to take the fights he publicly demands
• Azizyan's public pressure adds social and promotional weight to the Baranievski callout