Blachowicz confirms meniscus tear forces out of UFC 328 rematch

Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled UFC 328 rematch against Bogdan Guskov, the Polish veteran confirming via social media on April 18 that a torn meniscus will prevent him from competing at the May 9 event.

Blachowicz, 43, holds a professional record of 29-11-2 and is currently ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division. The six-foot-two orthodox fighter out of Poland's WCA Fight Team carries a 78-inch reach and has long been one of the division's most durable presences, landing 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy over his career. He was careful to stress that the injury does not signal retirement, stating he intends to return and finish his career on his own terms.

Standing across from him was scheduled to be Bogdan Guskov, the Uzbekistan-born contender known as "Czarevitch" who fights out of GOR MMA and sits tenth in the light heavyweight rankings. Guskov, 33, carries a record of 18-3-1 and has shown considerable striking output, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 55 percent accuracy. The six-foot-three fighter also adds a submission threat, averaging 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, though he records no takedown attempts in his statistical profile.

Why it matters

• Blachowicz's withdrawal removes a top-five light heavyweight from UFC 328, leaving a significant hole on what was expected to be a marquee card.
• Guskov loses a high-profile opportunity to climb from tenth toward the upper tier of the division.
• The rematch carried added stakes given both fighters' established records at 205 pounds; its postponement stalls movement in an already competitive rankings picture.
• At 43, Blachowicz's timeline for return will draw scrutiny, though he has firmly dismissed any suggestion this injury ends his fighting career.