Rising knockout artist Bogdan Guskov embraces the pressure of facing a former light heavyweight champion at UFC 323 and hopes to make the most of the opportunity that a victory over Jan Blachowicz could mean for the future of his career.
Guskov stopped four opponents in a row going into Saturday’s event in Las Vegas, knocking out Nikita Krylov, Billy Elekana, Ryan Spann and Zac Pauga, and celebrates being matched up against a man who has beaten stars like Israel Adesanya, Corey Anderson and Luke Rockhold in his prime.
“The opponent is very tough guy, former champion,” Guskov told MMA Fighting. “Big step in my career. I think about future because this is the moment I can change my career, change my life. This is another contract, another experience for me because this guy is from top of the division. He fought very big guys, big names. For me, I’m feeling a little bit pressure but this is like normal pressure. I like it.”
Guskov feels that facing one of the top of the division means “I too am best guy,” but knows he can’t underestimate Blachowicz. The Polish star scored his last win over Aleksandar Rakic in 2022 and since fought to a draw with Magomed Ankalaev before losing decisions to Alex Pereira and Carlos Ulberg.
“I think cage will show everything, you know?” Guskov said when asked for his prediction for UFC 323. “This guy is very tough guy, about power. He’s old, but, like man power, you know? And I need to show my smart power. Let’s see.”
A win Saturday would put Guskov in the top-10 of the light heavyweight division but he chooses to “concentrate” on getting the job done instead of playing matchmaking. However, given champion Alex Pereira’s constant flirting with the idea of moving up to heavyweight, the 205-pound title picture could be wide open in 2026.
“I think after this fight, maybe more one step and after maybe title shot. I believe this. I hope. It’s good for me,” Guskov said. “If Alex goes to the heavyweight, we have another good names. Carlos Ulberg, Jiri Prochazka, [Jamahal] Hill said he will come [back] the next year. I don’t want to fight with Hill, but if title ambition, I think I need to go. He’s good guy. Every time we meet in the [UFC Performance Institute] we talk, he’s a very very good guy.”
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