Jan Blachowicz withdraws from UFC 328 rematch due to torn meniscus

Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled UFC 328 rematch against Bogdan Guskov after suffering a torn meniscus, the Polish veteran announced via social media on April 18. The fight had been set for May 9, and no timeline has been given for his return.

Blachowicz, 43, carries a professional record of 29-11-2 and is currently ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division. Fighting out of WCA Fight Team, the six-foot-two Orthodox striker from Poland holds a 78-inch reach and lands 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy. In a statement accompanying the news, he was clear that the injury does not signal retirement, saying he intends to return and finish his career on his own terms.

His opponent, Bogdan Guskov, is a 33-year-old light heavyweight from Uzbekistan who competes out of GOR MMA. Known by his nickname Czarevitch, Guskov holds an 18-3-1 record and sits ranked tenth in the division. Standing six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach, he is an active and accurate striker, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He also averages 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, though he records no takedowns, making him a primarily stand-and-submit threat.

Why it matters

• Blachowicz's withdrawal removes a ranked fifth-versus-tenth matchup from UFC 328, leaving a hole in the light heavyweight card.
• The rematch had divisional relevance, with both fighters positioned within the top ten and a win potentially pushing either man toward title contention.
• Guskov will now need a replacement opponent or face a period of inactivity at a point in his career where momentum matters.
• No replacement bout or rescheduled date has been announced for either fighter.