Jan Blachowicz announced he has withdrawn from his UFC 328 rematch with Bogdan Guskov due to a torn meniscus. The 43-year-old fighter insists this is not the end of his career, stating he will return to finish on his own terms. Blachowicz made the announcement via his social media accounts. The injury forces him out of the May 9 event and leaves his opponent without a dance partner. The former light heavyweight champion remains determined to continue fighting despite the setback.
Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9 after the Polish veteran revealed he is dealing with a torn meniscus, announcing the news himself across his social media channels.
Blachowicz, ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division, carries a professional record of 29-11-2 and is one of the most accomplished fighters in the 205-pound weight class. The 43-year-old former light heavyweight champion from Poland stands six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach and has built his career around a steady striking output of 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy, complemented by a well-rounded ground game. Despite the injury setback, Blachowicz made clear he has no intention of retiring, stating he plans to return and finish his career on his own terms.
Guskov, who fights out of GOR MMA and holds the nickname "Czarevitch," now finds himself without an opponent following the withdrawal. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan holds an 18-3-1 record and sits at number ten in the light heavyweight rankings. Standing six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach, Guskov is an active striker who lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 55 percent, while also posing a submission threat at 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Blachowicz's absence leaves a ranked top-five light heavyweight slot idle and disrupts a potentially significant divisional matchup
- Guskov, ranked tenth, loses a high-profile opportunity to climb toward the top five with a victory over a former champion
- The stylistic contrast between Guskov's higher striking volume and Blachowicz's more measured output and takedown threat made this a compelling rematch
- The timeline for Blachowicz's return from a torn meniscus remains unclear based on currently available information
Saturday, May 9, 2026
