Imagine two warriors stepping into the octagon, each with everything to prove, only to leave it all on the canvas without a clear victor. That’s exactly what happened at UFC 323 when Jan Blachowicz and Bogdan Guskov fought to a majority draw, leaving fans and critics alike debating who truly deserved the win. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a fair outcome, or did one fighter’s dominance in specific rounds get overlooked? Let’s dive in.
Updated on December 6, 2025, at 11:43 p.m. ET, MMA Junkie delivered live coverage of UFC 323, offering round-by-round analysis of every fight. In the main card opener at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, former champion Jan Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) clashed with Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC) in a bout that was as thrilling as it was unpredictable. Both fighters had their moments, but the judges ultimately scored it a majority draw—two 28-28 cards and one 29-28 in favor of Blachowicz.
The fight began cautiously, with both men feeling each other out, avoiding overcommitment in the early exchanges. Midway through the first round, the pace picked up as heavier strikes started landing. Guskov momentarily stunned Blachowicz with a clean shot, but the former champ retaliated with a crisp combination capped by a stiff punch. Blachowicz’s leg kicks also proved effective, setting the tone for a tightly contested opening frame.
Round 2 saw Blachowicz stringing together strikes effectively—until a sudden right hand from Guskov sent him crashing to the mat. Guskov pounced, seeking a finish, but Blachowicz weathered the storm, covering up and surviving the onslaught. Guskov maintained top position, slicing open a cut with an elbow as he methodically worked his ground and pound until the bell. And this is the part most people miss: Guskov’s dominance in this round was undeniable, yet the judges’ scoring would later spark debate.
In the final round, Blachowicz came out swinging, determined to turn the tide. However, Guskov’s speed kept him at bay—until midway through the round, when Blachowicz landed a solid combination. Guskov claimed an eye poke, but the referee didn’t intervene. Capitalizing on the moment, Blachowicz kept the pressure high, scoring a late knockdown that shifted the momentum.
In the end, the fight was ruled a majority draw, thanks in part to a pair of 10-8 scores in the second round. For Blachowicz, the win column remains elusive, with a 0-2-2 record in his last four fights. His most recent victory dates back to May 2022, when he secured an injury TKO over Aleksandar Rakic. Guskov, meanwhile, adds the first draw of his professional career, snapping a four-fight winning streak.
Here’s the burning question: Did the judges get it right, or did Guskov’s Round 2 dominance warrant a clearer victory? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
For the full UFC 323 results, here’s a quick rundown:
- Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov – Majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
- Manuel Torres def. Grant Dawson via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:25
- Chris Duncan def. Terrance McKinney via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 2:30
- Maycee Barber def. Karine Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Fares Ziam def. Nazim Sadykhov via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:59
- Brunno Ferreira def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jalin Turner def. Edson Barboza via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:24
- Iwo Baraniewski def. Ibo Aslan via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:29
- Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Antonio Trocoli via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:09
- Mairon Santos def. Muhammad Naimov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 0:30
What did you think of UFC 323? Was the Blachowicz-Guskov draw justified, or did one fighter deserve the nod? Share your take below!
