Full Breakdown
Jan Blachowicz Withdraws from UFC 328 Due to Injury
4/18/2026, 8:59:52 PM
Injury Announcement and Impact on UFC 328
Jan Blachowicz, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, has officially withdrawn from his scheduled rematch against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 328, set for May 9, 2023, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Blachowicz announced on social media that he suffered a torn meniscus during a sparring session, stating, “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.” This injury marks another setback for the 43-year-old fighter, who has not won a match since May 2022.
Background on the Matchup
Blachowicz and Guskov previously faced off at UFC 323 in December 2022, where their bout ended in a majority draw. In that fight, Guskov appeared to dominate but Blachowicz managed to score a late knockdown, forcing the judges to rule the match a draw. The rematch was highly anticipated as both fighters sought to settle their unfinished business.
Recent Performance and Career Context
Since his victory over Aleksandar Rakic in May 2022, Blachowicz has struggled in the octagon, recording two draws and two losses in his last four fights. His recent performances have raised questions about his future in the sport, particularly as he approaches the later stages of his career. Despite this, Blachowicz remains determined to return, stating, “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.”
Official Statements and Responses
The UFC has not yet announced whether they will reschedule the fight between Blachowicz and Guskov or find a new opponent for Guskov in the interim. The promotion is expected to make decisions based on Blachowicz’s recovery timeline.
Criticism and Opposition
While Blachowicz's injury is unfortunate, some critics have pointed out that his recent performance has not met the expectations set during his championship reign. The lack of victories in his last several fights has led to discussions about his future and potential retirement from competitive fighting.
What's Next for UFC 328
UFC 328 will still proceed with its scheduled fights, including a middleweight title defense by Khamzat Chimaev against Sean Strickland, and a flyweight championship bout featuring Joshua Van against Tatsuroa Taira. The card will need to adjust following Blachowicz's withdrawal, but the promotion has time to secure a replacement for Guskov.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” — Jan Blachowicz
- “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
- “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.” — Jan Blachowicz
Blachowicz's injury adds another chapter to a challenging period in his career, and fans await updates on his recovery and future in the sport.
