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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Ken Hathaway

Bogdan Guskov calls out UFC doppelgänger Anthony Smith, says he’ll show just how they’re different

LAS VEGAS – Bogdan Guskov beat Zac Pauga with a first-round knockout Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 236 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Guskov, who made a big callout after his first UFC victory.

Bogdan Guskov vs. Zac Pauga

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 10: Bogdan Guskov of Uzbekistan reacts after his knockout victory against Zac Pauga in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Result: Bogdan Guskov def. Zac Pauga via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:38
Updated records: Guskov (15-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Pauga (6-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC)
Key stats: Guskov has all 15 of his wins by stoppage, including 13 knockouts. He hasn’t had a fight – win or loss – go past the first round since 2019.

Guskov on the fight's key moment

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Bogdan Guskov of Uzbekistan punches Zac Pauga in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“In my camp, I thought, ‘This guy is small.’ But when I saw him first time, he’s tall and a big guy. But this is not a surprise to me. I’m ready for a fight with everybody – with King Kong, maybe Godzilla … it doesn’t matter.”

Guskov on the potential for a bonus (he got one)

Bogdan Guskov def. Zac Pauga

“I came for the bonus. I hope maybe big boss Dana White will give me a bonus because my intention was to finish the fight. I never come to grab a decision. I have a 100 percent finish rate. I finish every time I come – kill or die. I’d buy a house for my family (with a bonus). This is my big dream – I want to buy a house.”

Guskov on what he wants next

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 09: (L-R) Anthony Smith punches Khalil Rountree Jr. in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I have big respect for (Anthony Smith). He’s a real ‘Lionheart,’ this guy. It’s only sport. It’s interesting (that we look alike). I like this guy. It’s not personal. Everybody says we look alike. I want to show everybody that I’m the more handsome guy.”

To hear more from Guskov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 236.

UFC Fight Night 236

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