UFC 328 Fight Card Shaken as Jan Blachowicz Withdraws Due to Knee Injury
With less than a month remaining before UFC 328, the highly anticipated fight card has encountered a significant disruption. Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled rematch after sustaining a serious knee injury during training. This unexpected development casts a shadow over the event, which is set to take place on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Details of the Injury and Blachowicz's Statement
The withdrawal of Jan Blachowicz stems from a meniscus tear he suffered in the final round of sparring. The veteran fighter disclosed on his Instagram that the injury occurred when he found himself in an awkward position and absorbed a direct kick to the knee. Blachowicz expressed profound frustration with the timing, noting he was on the verge of traveling for the fight. He had been intensely focused on this rematch, with clear objectives for the bout, and conveyed deep disappointment at missing the opportunity. However, he remains resolute in his recovery efforts, vowing to return to the octagon soon and hinting at unfinished business once he regains fitness.
Impact on the UFC 328 Lineup
The 43-year-old Polish fighter was preparing for a rematch with Bogdan Guskov, following their majority draw at UFC 323 in December 2025. This bout was a key feature of the card, and its cancellation leaves a noticeable gap. Despite this setback, UFC 328 will proceed with two title fights at the forefront. In the main event, Khamzat Chimaev is slated to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland. Meanwhile, flyweight champion Joshua Van will face rising star Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event. The UFC has not yet announced whether Bogdan Guskov will receive a new opponent or if his fight will be postponed, adding an element of suspense to the event.
Blachowicz's Recent Career and Future Prospects
Jan Blachowicz, with a professional record of 29 wins, 11 losses, and 2 draws, has faced challenges recently, including consecutive losses to Carlos Ulberg and Alex Pereira. Nevertheless, he remains a respected figure in the light heavyweight division, known for his resilience and skill. His absence from UFC 328 underscores the unpredictable nature of combat sports, where injuries can abruptly alter plans. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on his recovery and potential return matchups.
Remaining Fights and Event Outlook
Despite the loss of Blachowicz vs. Guskov, the UFC 328 lineup retains its competitive edge with several notable bouts. Alexander Volkov is set to take on Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and Sean Brady will face Joaquin Buckley, among others. These matchups ensure that the event will still deliver high-level action, even as organizers navigate this last-minute change. The focus now shifts to how the UFC manages the reshuffled card and whether additional adjustments will be made in the coming weeks.
