Jan Blachowicz withdraws from UFC 328 bout with torn meniscus

Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled light heavyweight contest against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9, the Polish veteran announcing on social media that a torn meniscus has ended his participation in the bout.

Blachowicz, 43, carries a professional record of 29-11-2 and is ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division. The six-foot-two orthodox fighter out of Poland's WCA Fight Team brings a 78-inch reach and a measured, well-rounded game to the cage, averaging 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy while also mixing in 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes. Despite the setback, he made clear through his announcement that he has no intention of retiring on injury terms, stating this is not the end and that he plans to return and close out his career on his own terms.

Guskov, nicknamed Czarevitch, now finds himself without an opponent three weeks out from the event. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan, fighting out of GOR MMA, 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, he brings a high-output striking game — 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy — along with a submission-oriented ground game averaging 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes. No replacement opponent has been announced.

Why it matters

• The cancellation removes a rematch with divisional implications, as both men sit in the light heavyweight top ten
• Blachowicz at fifth and Guskov at tenth meant a win for either fighter would have had meaningful ranking consequences
• Guskov's spot on the UFC 328 card is now in question with no replacement confirmed
• The injury adds uncertainty to Blachowicz's timeline as he pursues one final run at 43