Bogdan Guskov needs a new opponent just two weeks ahead of UFC 328.
Guskov’s original dance partner, former light-heavyweight titleholder Jan Blachowicz, announced Thursday he underwent successful knee surgery after sustaining an injury in training, leaving him unable to participate in a rematch on the May 9 card.
The pair of 205-pounders fought to a majority draw at UFC 323 in December, and an immediate rematch was booked.
“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,” Blachowicz wrote on Instagram earlier in the week. “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.”
Blachowicz posted an image on social media Thursday of himself sitting in a hospital bed with his left knee wrapped. It’s unclear how long his recovery time will last.
Poland’s Blachowicz is 43 years old and winless in his past four fights. He has a majority draw with Guskov and a split draw with Magomed Ankalaev, bookending closely contested three-round decision losses to Carlos Ulberg and Alex Pereira.
Guskov, 33, is unbeaten in his past five and told Red Corner MMA this week he hopes Paulo Costa steps up and accepts his challenge.
Costa recently defeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 to skyrocket up the light-heavyweight rankings, leapfrogging No. 10-ranked Guskov and others.
UFC 328 is set to take place at New Jersey’s Prudential Center and is headlined by a middleweight championship fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.
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