Blachowicz announces withdrawal from UFC 328 rematch due to torn meniscus

Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328, announcing on April 18 that a torn meniscus will prevent him from competing on May 9. The Polish veteran made the announcement himself, confirming the severity of the knee injury. No timeline for his return has been offered, and no word has emerged on whether or when the fight will be rescheduled.

Blachowicz, 43, holds a professional record of 29-11-2 and is currently ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division. The former champion out of Poland trains with WCA Fight Team and brings a 78-inch reach and measured offensive game to the cage, landing 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy while mixing in just over one takedown per 15 minutes.

His opponent, Bogdan Guskov, carries the nickname "Czarevitch" and enters this period sitting at number 10 in the division with an 18-3-1 record. The 33-year-old from Uzbekistan, who competes out of GOR MMA, stands six-foot-three with a 76-inch reach and has shown a high-output striking style, landing 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Guskov also registers over one submission attempt per 15 minutes, though he records no takedowns in his statistical profile.

Why it matters

• Blachowicz's withdrawal removes a ranked fifth-versus-tenth matchup that carried clear divisional implications in a competitive light heavyweight field.
• At 43, every extended absence raises questions about the timeline left in his career, though no retirement has been indicated.
• Guskov, ranked tenth, now faces an uncertain path to a rebooking that could affect his own positioning in the division.
• UFC 328 loses a rematch with genuine history between the two fighters, leaving a notable gap on the card.