UFC 328 in New Jersey has lost a major piece of its lineup. Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has been forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated rematch with Bogdan Guskov, dealing a significant blow to the May 9th card.

The 43-year-old veteran announced the unfortunate news on Instagram, revealing a torn meniscus suffered in his final sparring session. "I'm beyond pissed," Blachowicz wrote. "Last round of sparring, wrong position and a kick to the knee. Torn meniscus... The plan and goal were clear, so the disappointment is huge."

This setback is the latest in a string of injuries that have plagued the Polish powerhouse in recent years. Since 2023, Blachowicz has fought only three times, battling a neck injury in 2022 and a serious double shoulder injury in 2024. These physical hurdles have limited the output of his famed "Legendary Polish Power," resulting in an 0-2-1 record over that stretch.

The rematch with Guskov was seen as a crucial opportunity for Blachowicz to rebound from their draw at UFC 323. Now, fans will have to wait, as a meniscus tear typically requires two to six months of rehabilitation for a professional athlete. In his statement, Blachowicz hinted this comeback is about closing his career on his own terms, writing, "Coming back to finish things on my own terms."

Blachowicz, who held the UFC light heavyweight title from 2020 to 2021 with a win over Dominick Reyes and a defense against Israel Adesanya, remains a formidable and respected figure in the division. His recent losses, including a close decision to current champ Carlos Ulberg, have been highly competitive. The MMA community now awaits news on whether Bogdan Guskov will receive a new opponent for UFC 328, and more importantly, wishes Jan Blachowicz a full and speedy recovery.