Jan Blachowicz withdraws from UFC 328 rematch with meniscus tear

Jan Blachowicz has been forced out of his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 after announcing he suffered a meniscus tear, leaving the May 9 card short a light heavyweight matchup that had generated considerable anticipation.

Blachowicz, 43, is one of the most decorated veterans in the 205-pound division. The Polish fighter carries a 29-11-2 record and currently sits ranked fifth in the light heavyweight standings. Standing six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach, the former champion trains out of WCA Fight Team and brings a measured, technical style to the octagon, averaging 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy while also contributing on the mat with 1.03 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Guskov, known as "Czarevitch," now sees the rematch postponed indefinitely. The 33-year-old Uzbek fighter represents GOR MMA and holds an 18-3-1 record, sitting tenth in the divisional rankings. At six-foot-three with a 193-centimeter reach, Guskov is a volume striker who lands 4.17 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 55 percent accuracy. He also adds a submission threat, averaging 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, though he does not rely on takedowns.

Why it matters

• Blachowicz is ranked fifth and Guskov tenth, meaning the rematch carried real divisional weight for both men
• A Blachowicz victory could have pushed him back toward title contention at 43; the delay hurts that timeline
• No replacement opponent or return date for Blachowicz has been announced, leaving a hole in the UFC 328 card
• Guskov's path to a higher-ranked opponent is now uncertain while he waits for the situation to resolve