Los Angeles — Light heavyweight Bogdan Guskov was supposed to face Johnny Walker at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. Instead, he wound up facing promotional newcomer Billy Elekana, stepping in to replace the Brazilian.
It all worked out in the end. Despite an early scare, Guskov (17-3) came away with a second-round submission victory. The match-up may not see him skyrocket up the 205lb rankings, but a win is a win, and Guskov, currently #13, will likely rise a spot or two a few days from now.
As to that early scare, “all my camp we were training versus a southpaw. Southpaw. I know Johnny, Johnny is a striker. This guy Billy, he is a good grappler, not striker. Not a striker. He wait a moment, then try to take down and choke everybody. Like this,” explained Guskov, speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press following the fight. “He said he’s a kickboxer, but I don’t see nothing from kickboxing.”
Guskov stayed in the fight, and earned the win just past three and a half minutes into the second round. Lit up with strikes, Elekana seemed ready to go out. A guillotine choke sealed the deal.
As to what’s next, forget about putting that Johnny Walker fight back on the books. Guskov didn’t want it anyway, as the pair are friends.
“Never, never. I don’t want to make a deal with Johnny, I don’t want to fight with him in the sport. For me, he’s better than other guys. Johnny, we stay good friends, good relationship, and that’s all. I don’t want to fight with Johnny ever.”
Watch the full UFC 311 post-fight press conference with Bogdan Guskov above.
