Bogdan Guskov has expressed interest in fighting Paulo Costa in the octagon. According to Ivo Baraniewski, he agreed to a fight with Guskov, but Guskov declined the bout. Guskov described himself as a Russian who grew up in Uzbekistan and said he is ready to enter the cage at any time. Gor Azizyan commented that Baraniewski has been vocal after beating Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov, suggesting Guskov should "clip his wings." Azizyan added that if Baraniewski doesn't accept a fight with Guskov, he should stop talking about Russian fighters. The post asks fans if they would like to see the matchup between Guskov and Baraniewski.
Light heavyweight contender Bogdan Guskov has publicly called out middleweight veteran Paulo Costa while also pushing back against claims made by Ivo Baraniewski regarding a declined fight offer.
Guskov, known as "Czarevitch," holds a record of 18-3-1 and sits at number ten in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. The 33-year-old, who describes himself as a Russian who grew up in Uzbekistan, represents GOR MMA and stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach. He lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underscoring a well-rounded offensive game.
Paulo Costa, ranked thirteenth at middleweight with a 16-4 record, operates in a different weight class entirely. The Brazilian known as "The Eraser" is 35 years old and one of the more prolific strikers in the division, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy. Whether Guskov's callout is a genuine cross-divisional proposal or a statement of intent remains unclear from the available information.
The situation with Baraniewski adds another layer. According to Baraniewski, he agreed to face Guskov but was turned down. Guskov disputes that account. Gor Azizyan, commenting on the situation, referenced Baraniewski's recent wins over Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov — the latter a ranked light heavyweight sitting twelfth with a 16-1 record — as the basis for Baraniewski's outspoken posture. Azizyan suggested Guskov should "clip his wings" and stated that Baraniewski should stop talking about Russian fighters if he refuses to accept the bout.
Why it matters
- Guskov is ranked tenth at light heavyweight, making any fight in that division a meaningful rankings contest
- Murzakanov, ranked twelfth, is a mutual reference point between both Guskov's camp and Baraniewski
- A Guskov-Baraniewski matchup would have direct divisional implications given both men's proximity in the rankings conversation
