Jan Blachowicz withdraws from UFC 328 rematch with torn meniscus

Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328, set for May 9, after the veteran Polish contender revealed a torn meniscus that ends his participation in the card.

Blachowicz, 43, announced the injury on his social media channels and made clear he does not intend for this to be the conclusion of his fighting career, stating he plans to return and finish on his own terms. No recovery timeline has been provided. The former light heavyweight champion holds a professional record of 29-11-2 and is currently ranked fifth in the division. Standing six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach, the WCA Fight Team veteran lands 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy, complementing his output with just over one takedown per 15 minutes.

Guskov, known as Czarevitch, now faces an uncertain path forward with his opponent withdrawn. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan carries an 18-3-1 record and sits at number ten in the light heavyweight rankings. At six-foot-three with a 193-centimeter reach, he generates an aggressive 4.17 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 55 percent accuracy, while also averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Whether the promotion finds a replacement opponent or removes Guskov from the card entirely has not been announced.

Why it matters

• Blachowicz's withdrawal removes a ranked fifth-versus-tenth matchup that carried meaningful divisional implications at 205 pounds
• Guskov loses a high-profile opportunity to vault further up the rankings toward a potential title picture
• The injury raises questions about Blachowicz's timeline and whether the long-time contender can return to competition at 43