Guskov took a significant step up in competition against Spann in the co-main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday. The Uzbekistan native was easily taken down and controlled on the ground by Spann in the opening round. However, Guskov turned the tables in the second frame, coming from behind to score an upset knockout over an exhausted Spann.
Guskov claimed that the manner of victory over Spann was premeditated. Guskov had planned to concede the first round to Spann, who would tire in the second round. Apart from being surprised by the size of the visibly bigger “Superman,” Guskov seemingly had an easy night at the office.
“You know, before fight we have small plan,” Guskov said at the post-fight press conference. “Give first round [to] this guy [to] work. Because on second round he [he would be a] little bit tired and be very simple fighter. And finish him [in the] second round, this [was] my goal, this is like plan [with] my team… Little bit his size [surprised me], you know, big guy. Only this. But I wait, [he had] no speed, like strong maybe… I’m strong too.”
Guskov is expected to enter the updated UFC rankings with his victory over Spann. One of the three Uzbek fighters on the UFC roster, it would be a matter of pride for Guskov to be the first from his country to enter the promotion’s rankings.
“If I go to the top 15, I [would] be first fighter from Uzbekistan who go to the top. This is history, this my history,” he said. “From Uzbekistan have two more guys and I’m first and I’m very very happy [in] this moment.”
Guskov also revealed that he is good friends with the two other Uzbek UFC fighters, Makhmud Muradov and Nursulton Ruziboev, even though there is healthy competition between them for achievements.
“Both guys, [are my] very good friends,” Guskov said.”Every time [we are] talking, [supporting] each other. And this is like sport competition for motivation, it’s good. I think it’s good.”
Reference: https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bogdan-Guskov-Planned-to-Stop-Ryan-Spann-in-Second-Round-at-UFC-on-ESPN-55-193489
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