Jan Blachowicz withdraws from UFC 328 bout with Bogdan Guskov due to injury

Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9th after suffering a torn meniscus, a significant injury setback for the 43-year-old former light heavyweight champion.

Blachowicz, who carries a professional record of 29-11-2, sits ranked fifth in the 205-pound division. The six-foot-two Polish veteran, who trains out of WCA Fight Team, brings a measured striking game to the octagon, landing 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy, while also contributing on the grappling side with 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes. Despite the injury, Blachowicz has indicated he has no plans to retire immediately and intends to return to competition on his own terms.

His would-be opponent, Bogdan Guskov — known as "Czarevitch" — is ranked tenth in the division and now finds himself without a fight for the card. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan, representing GOR MMA, is a six-foot-three striker with a 76-inch reach who has been productive offensively, posting 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Guskov also shows a submission threat, averaging 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, despite recording zero takedowns per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Blachowicz's torn meniscus removes a ranked top-five light heavyweight from the UFC 328 card, leaving a notable gap in the event's lineup.
• Guskov loses a high-profile opportunity to climb the divisional ladder from his current tenth-place ranking.
• The shelved rematch prolongs unfinished business between a former champion and one of the division's rising contenders.
• Blachowicz's recovery timeline and age will raise questions about how many fights remain in his career.