Bogdan Guskov has expressed interest in facing Paulo Costa in the octagon. However, according to Ivo Baranyevski, he agreed to fight Guskov but Guskov did not accept the bout. Guskov described himself as a Russian guy who grew up in Uzbekistan and said he is ready to share the cage anytime. Cornerman Gor Azizyan commented that Baranyevski started the verbal exchanges and should be taught a lesson, particularly after his wins over Kopylovsky and Azamat. The post includes reactions suggesting this is part of ongoing trash talk in the Russian MMA scene. There appears to be conflicting claims about who is avoiding whom.
Bogdan Guskov has publicly called out Paulo Costa, while a separate dispute has emerged over claims that Guskov turned down a fight with Ivo Baranyevski — a charge Guskov's corner is pushing back on.
Guskov, ranked tenth in the UFC light heavyweight division, carries an 18-3-1 record and fights out of GOR MMA. The 33-year-old, who described himself as a Russian guy who grew up in Uzbekistan, stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and has positioned himself as ready to step in against anyone. He averages 4.17 significant strikes per minute with 55 percent accuracy and adds a submission threat, averaging 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes. His callout of Costa represents a move that would cross divisional lines, given Guskov competes at light heavyweight.
Costa, ranked thirteenth at middleweight, is a 35-year-old Brazilian known for heavy offensive output. He lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — numbers that place him among the more prolific strikers on the roster. The former title challenger holds a 16-4-0 record and trains with Team Borracha.
The situation is complicated by claims from Ivo Baranyevski, who says he agreed to fight Guskov but that Guskov did not accept the bout. Guskov's cornerman Gor Azizyan disputed that framing, saying Baranyevski initiated the verbal exchanges and referenced Baranyevski's recent wins over Kopylovsky and Azamat as added motivation. Conflicting accounts of who declined the matchup remain unresolved.
Why it matters
- Guskov calling out Costa would be a cross-divisional fight, adding unusual complexity to any potential booking
- The Baranyevski dispute keeps Guskov's name in the middle of ongoing back-and-forth in the Russian MMA scene
- Costa at rank 13 and Guskov at rank 10 in separate divisions means neither fight has clear immediate ranking implications without a catchweight or division change
