LAS VEGAS – UFC light heavyweight Bogdan Guskov can have bragging rights over his fellow fighters from Uzbekistan.
Guskov (16-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will likely discover a number next to his name when the promotion releases its updated rankings following UFC on ESPN 55. Within the co-main event on the UFC Apex, Guskov finished top 15 fighter Ryan Spann with powerful punches in Round 2.
It was an outing worthy of a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, but more importantly for Guskov, one that may likely end in his name entering the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings.
“If I am going to the highest 15, I will likely be the primary fighter from Uzbekistan who go to the highest,” Guskov told reporters during a post-fight news conference. “That is history, that is my history. From Uzbekistan, we’ve got two more strong guys and I’m first. I’m very blissful on this moment.”
Guskov rounds out the trio of energetic fighters from Uzbekistan, and admits there may be a friendly rivalry between Muradov and Ruziboev to be the primary to achieve certain milestones. Each beat Guskov within the race for bonuses, but he can lay claim to the primary promotinally-ranked fighter from their home country.
“Each guys are superb friends. We’re each time talking support for one another. This is sort of a sport competition for motivation. It’s good, I feel it’s good. … I really like this.”
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