Jan Blachowicz announced his withdrawal from the UFC 328 rematch against Bogdan Guskov due to a meniscus tear. The 43-year-old fighter stated this is not the end of his career and that he will return to finish on his own terms. Blachowicz made the announcement through his social media channels. No timeline for recovery or return was specified in the post. This marks the cancellation of an anticipated rematch in the light heavyweight division.
Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9 after suffering a torn meniscus, the Polish veteran announced on social media.
Blachowicz, ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division, is 43 years old and carries a professional record of 29-11-2. Fighting out of WCA Fight Team, the former champion stands six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach and has averaged 3.44 significant strikes per minute throughout his career at 49 percent accuracy. In his announcement he was clear that the injury does not signal retirement, stating he intends to return and finish his career on his own terms. No recovery timeline was provided.
Guskov, known as "Czarevitch," entered this rematch as the number-10 ranked light heavyweight with a record of 18-3-1. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan fights out of GOR MMA and stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach. He is an active striker, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, and also brings submission threat with 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The cancellation removes a ranked light heavyweight matchup from UFC 328, leaving a gap in the event's card.
- Blachowicz's path back into title contention stalls, as a win over the tenth-ranked Guskov could have strengthened his case at number five.
- Guskov now faces an uncertain wait for a new opponent, potentially disrupting his own ranking momentum.
- At 43, any extended recovery period carries added significance for Blachowicz's remaining timeline as a competitor.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
