Former UFC Champion Jan Blachowicz Withdraws from UFC 328 Due to Injury

Blachowicz was set to rematch Bogdan Guskov at the May 9 event in Newark, New Jersey.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a UFC fighter in mid-action, with their body broken down into overlapping planes of deep blue, red, and black shapes, conveying the disruption and uncertainty surrounding Blachowicz's injury withdrawal.The abrupt withdrawal of former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz from his scheduled rematch due to injury disrupts the promotion's plans and leaves his future in doubt.Newark Today

Jan Blachowicz, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328 on May 9 due to a torn meniscus suffered during sparring. The two fighters previously fought to a majority draw at UFC 323 in December.

Why it matters

Blachowicz's withdrawal is a significant setback for the former champion, who has struggled to regain his winning form over the past few years. The rematch with Guskov was seen as an opportunity for Blachowicz to get back on track, making his injury-related withdrawal a major disappointment for the fighter and his fans.

The details

Blachowicz announced the news of his withdrawal on social media, stating that he suffered a torn meniscus during a sparring session. The injury occurred during 'the last round of sparring' when Blachowicz was in 'the wrong position' and took 'a kick to the knee.' It is unclear at this time if the Blachowicz-Guskov rematch will be rescheduled or if Guskov will face a new opponent at UFC 328.

  • Blachowicz and Guskov previously fought to a majority draw at UFC 323 in December 2025.
  • The Blachowicz-Guskov rematch was scheduled to take place at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026.

The players

Jan Blachowicz

A former UFC light heavyweight champion who has struggled to regain his winning form in recent years, suffering a torn meniscus during sparring that has forced him to withdraw from his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328.

Bogdan Guskov

A UFC light heavyweight fighter who previously fought to a majority draw with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 323, and was set to rematch Blachowicz at UFC 328 before Blachowicz's withdrawal due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“Don't count your chickens before they hatch. I was supposed to be in the States next week, but plans had to change. I'm beyond pissed. Last round of sparring, wrong position and a kick to the knee. Torn meniscus.”

— Jan Blachowicz

What’s next

It is not yet known if the Blachowicz-Guskov rematch will be rescheduled or if Guskov will face a new opponent at UFC 328.

The takeaway

Blachowicz's injury withdrawal is a major setback in his efforts to regain his former UFC light heavyweight title, and raises questions about his ability to return to top form after a string of disappointing results in recent years.