Jan Blachowicz announces withdrawal from UFC 328, vows to return on own terms

Jan Blachowicz has pulled out of his scheduled UFC 328 rematch with Bogdan Guskov after suffering a torn meniscus, the Polish veteran confirmed via social media on April 18. The fight had been set for May 9, and Blachowicz was explicit that the injury, while serious, will not mark the end of his career. He stated he intends to return and finish his career on his own terms.

Blachowicz, 43, carries a professional record of 29-11-2 and is ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division. The six-foot-two, 198-centimeter-reach Orthodox fighter from Poland competes out of WCA Fight Team and has long been one of the division's most experienced campaigners, landing 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy across his career. The torn meniscus is a significant blow to a fighter who was seeking redemption against an opponent who had already beaten him once.

Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, holds a record of 18-3-1 and sits at number ten in the light heavyweight rankings. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan fights out of GOR MMA and stands six-foot-three with a 193-centimeter reach. He is notably active on the feet, averaging 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, and also generates submission threats at a rate of 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Blachowicz's withdrawal removes a high-profile bout from UFC 328 and leaves the fifth-ranked light heavyweight sidelined with no confirmed return timeline.
• The rankings gap between the two fighters — fifth versus tenth — meant a Blachowicz victory could have pushed him closer to title contention at 205 pounds.
• Guskov, ten years Blachowicz's junior and now without an opponent, will need a replacement or rebooking to maintain his own divisional momentum.
• No recovery timeline has been provided, leaving the future of the rematch entirely uncertain.