UFC 328: Guskov vs. Costa fight in the works per Azizyan

Matchmaker Gor Azizyan has revealed that negotiations are underway to book a middleweight bout between Bogdan Guskov and Paulo Costa at UFC 328, scheduled for May 9, 2026. No official announcement has been made, and the fight should be treated as unconfirmed at this stage.

Paulo Costa, known as "The Eraser," enters these reported discussions as the more established name. The 35-year-old Brazilian holds a 16-4-0 record and sits at number 13 in the middleweight rankings. A former title challenger, Costa is one of the more aggressive strikers in the division, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. He stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach and trains out of Team Borracha.

Bogdan Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," is the less expected participant in a middleweight matchup. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan carries an 18-3-1 record and is currently ranked tenth in the light heavyweight division, making this a reported move down in weight class. Standing six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and a 193 cm frame, Guskov would hold a notable physical advantage. He averages 4.17 significant strikes per minute with 55 percent accuracy and adds a submission threat, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes through his work at GOR MMA.

Why it matters

• Costa is a ranked middleweight veteran, representing a major step up for Guskov if the bout is confirmed
• Guskov would be dropping from light heavyweight to middleweight, raising questions about how he performs at the lower weight
• A win over Costa could launch Guskov into middleweight rankings contention
• The fight remains unconfirmed, with Azizyan only indicating that efforts to finalize it are ongoing