Gor Azizyan reported that Bogdan Guskov intends to stay on the UFC 328 card if a replacement opponent can be found. This comes after Jan Blachowicz withdrew from their scheduled rematch due to a meniscus tear. Guskov is looking to salvage his spot on the May 9th event. The search for a new opponent is currently underway. Azizyan's statement suggests Guskov is prepared to face a different opponent rather than wait for Blachowicz to recover.
Bogdan Guskov is actively seeking a replacement opponent to keep his spot on the UFC 328 card after Jan Blachowicz was forced to withdraw from their scheduled rematch due to a meniscus tear. Guskov's manager Gor Azizyan confirmed the search is underway, with the event set for May 9th.
Guskov, nicknamed "Czarevitch," enters this situation riding the momentum of an 18-3-1 record in the light heavyweight division, where he currently sits ranked tenth. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan trains out of GOR MMA and stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach. He is an active, accurate striker, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, and adds a submission threat with 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes.
Blachowicz, the fifth-ranked light heavyweight, is out after suffering a meniscus tear. The 43-year-old Polish veteran carries a 29-11-2 record and brings considerable experience to any matchup, averaging 3.44 significant strikes per minute with a 49 percent accuracy rate and 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes from his orthodox stance. His recovery timeline makes a near-term rescheduling of the rematch unlikely.
Why it matters
- Guskov holds a top-ten ranking at light heavyweight, and staying active keeps him relevant in a competitive division
- A replacement opponent could offer rankings movement depending on who steps in
- Guskov's high striking output and submission game present a stylistic challenge for any short-notice replacement
- Blachowicz's injury removes a marquee name from UFC 328, adding urgency to finding a viable substitute
Saturday, May 9, 2026
