LAS VEGAS – Jan Blachowicz admits at first he didn't know who Bogdan Guskov was. But now, he knows it all – or so he says ahead of UFC 323.

The two light heavyweight contenders face off in a three-round light heavyweight bout on the main card of Saturday's event at T-Mobile Arena.

"I started checking him when they offered him to me," Blachowicz told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. "I don't watch his fights before that, but now I know almost everything about him. … Very powerful guy. Young blood with good striking skills, so I have to be focused all the time with my hands up. But I like this style. I think his style and my style is going to be a good fight to watch. That's why I like this fight also."

Blachowicz, 42, is a former champion who has experienced ups and downs since he dropped the belt to Glover Teixeira in October 2021. He beat Aleksandar Rakic, then drew with Magomed Ankalaev, lost a split decision to Alex Pereira, and a unanimous decision to Carlos Ulberg.

But there's nothing Blachowicz can do about what's already written in the UFC history books about past fights. He's focused solely on the here and now.

"This is the past," Blachowicz said. "I'm happy. Everything is good now. Now, I cannot leave the decision for the [judges]. I need to finish the fights before time. This is what I'm going to do."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jan Blachowicz unconcerned by bumpy three years, focused on UFC 323