Jan Blachowicz is out of UFC 328 after suffering a torn meniscus in his final round of sparring, killing his scheduled rematch with Bogdan Guskov on May 9.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion announced the injury himself and said the setback came right before he was supposed to travel to the United States. That made the Guskov rematch even more painful to lose, because it was his chance to settle unfinished business after their draw late last year.
Blachowicz did not hide how angry he was about it.
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” Blachowicz wrote. “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.”
He also made clear that he is already focused on getting back.
“The plan and goal were clear, so the disappointment is huge. But this isn’t the end! I’m already working on getting back as soon as possible. Coming back to finish things on my own terms. … See you soon!”
Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov 2 is off before UFC 328
The rematch was booked after Blachowicz and Guskov fought to a majority draw at UFC 323 in December, one more messy result in a division that has stayed active with names like Carlos Ulberg and Paulo Costa forcing their way into the conversation. Guskov had Blachowicz in trouble during the second round, but Blachowicz scored a late knockdown that changed the fight and left the rivalry unfinished.
Now the UFC has to decide whether to rebook the matchup or move Guskov toward somebody else. For Blachowicz, it is another brutal delay during a stretch where every fight matters. He has not won since beating Aleksandar Rakic in May 2022.
UFC 328 still moves forward in Newark with Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland at the top of the card. Blachowicz, meanwhile, is back in rehab mode instead of fight week.
