Jan Blachowicz announced via his social media that he has withdrawn from his UFC 328 rematch with Bogdan Guskov due to a torn meniscus. The 43-year-old veteran insisted this is not the end of his career, stating he will return to finish on his own terms. Blachowicz's withdrawal represents another setback for the aging former light heavyweight champion. The injury occurred during training camp for what would have been the second meeting between Blachowicz and Guskov. His determination to continue fighting despite the injury and advanced age suggests he has specific goals he wants to achieve before retirement.
Jan Blachowicz has pulled out of his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 after suffering a torn meniscus during training camp, the Polish veteran announced on social media. The card is set for May 9, 2026.
Blachowicz, 43, holds a professional record of 29-11-2 and is ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division. The former champion stands six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach and has built his career around a measured, technically sound striking game, landing 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy. Despite the injury setback, he made clear that this is not the end of his career, stating he intends to return and finish fighting on his own terms.
His would-be opponent, Bogdan Guskov — known as "Czarevitch" — carries a record of 18-3-1 and sits tenth in the light heavyweight rankings. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan is two inches taller than Blachowicz at six-foot-three and brings a notably active output, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Guskov also generates submission threats at a rate of 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, adding a grappling dimension to his game.
Why it matters
- Blachowicz's withdrawal removes a ranked fifth-versus-tenth matchup that carried meaningful divisional implications for the 205-pound title picture.
- At 43, every missed camp and lost fight date narrows the window for Blachowicz to pursue whatever goals remain before retirement.
- Guskov now faces the prospect of a reshuffled opponent or a standby replacement if the promotion opts to keep him on the card.
- A rescheduled rematch would need to account for Blachowicz's meniscus recovery timeline, pushing any second meeting well beyond the original May date.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
