Gor Azizyan has confirmed that efforts are underway to organize a fight between Bogdan Guskov and Paulo Costa for UFC 328. The announcement indicates that negotiations are ongoing but the bout is not yet finalized. No specific details about the weight class or location were provided in the post. Both fighters would represent significant opportunities - Costa looking to return to form and Guskov seeking a high-profile opponent.
Fighter manager Gor Azizyan has revealed that attempts are underway to book a bout between light heavyweight contender Bogdan Guskov and middleweight veteran Paulo Costa for UFC 328, scheduled for May 9, 2026. The matchup has not been officially confirmed, and Azizyan's announcement indicates negotiations remain in progress with no finalized deal in place.
Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," carries a 16-4 record and is currently ranked 13th in the UFC middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian trains out of Team Borracha and is known for elite striking output, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — among the higher marks in the sport. He has been seeking a return to form after recent setbacks.
Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," represents the other side of this reported matchup. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan competes at light heavyweight, where he sits 10th in the divisional rankings with an 18-3-1 record. Standing six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach, he trains under the GOR MMA banner and averages 4.17 significant strikes per minute with 55 percent accuracy. He also contributes on the grappling side, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A cross-divisional or catchweight booking would be unusual, and the weight class for this potential bout has not been specified
- Guskov, ranked 10th at light heavyweight, would be targeting a high-profile name to push his division standing
- Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight, faces a significant size disadvantage if the fight were contested above 185 pounds
- The outcome of negotiations could reshape positioning in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions
Because Azizyan's statement falls short of an official UFC announcement, this matchup should be treated as unconfirmed until both sides and the promotion finalize terms.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
