Błachowicz-Guskov Rematch Rescheduled for Historic UFC Belgrade Event

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has officially announced the rescheduling of the light heavyweight rematch between former champion Jan BłachowiczPlayer·Jan Błachowicz and Bogdan GuskovPlayer·Bogdan Guskov. The pivotal contest is now set to take place at UFC BelgradeCompetition·UFC Belgrade on August 1, 2026, at the Belgrade ArenaVenue·Belgrade Arena in Serbia.

This upcoming bout marks the second attempt to stage the rematch, which was initially slated for UFC 328Competition·UFC 328 in May. However, Błachowicz was forced to withdraw from that event after sustaining a meniscus tear during training. Following his recovery and rehabilitation, the 43-year-old Polish fighter is poised for his return to the octagon.

The first encounter between Błachowicz (29-11-2) and Guskov (18-3-1) occurred at UFC 323Competition·UFC 323 last December. That contest concluded in a majority draw, a result that left both competitors without a definitive victory. One judge scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Błachowicz, while the other two judges rendered scores of 28-28, notably after Guskov secured two 10-8 rounds in the second frame. The outcome halted Guskov's impressive four-fight winning streak and extended Błachowicz's winless run.

Jan BłachowiczPlayer·Jan Błachowicz, currently ranked No. 4 in the light heavyweight division, has been navigating a challenging period in his career. His record since 2022 includes four consecutive bouts without a victory, comprising two draws and two decision losses. These defeats came against current champion Carlos UlbergPlayer·Carlos Ulberg and former two-division champion Alex PereiraPlayer·Alex Pereira, alongside a draw with Magomed AnkalaevPlayer·Magomed Ankalaev. His return from injury is critical for maintaining his standing among the division's elite.

Following his injury, Jan BłachowiczPlayer·Jan Błachowicz conveyed his determination to return, stating: "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. But this is not the end! I am already working to come back as soon as possible. I am coming back to finish things on my own terms."

Bogdan GuskovPlayer·Bogdan Guskov, the 33-year-old Uzbek fighter, enters this rescheduled bout in strong form, despite the draw in their first meeting. He boasts a five-fight unbeaten streak, including four significant victories by knockout over opponents such as Nikita KrylovPlayer·Nikita Krylov and Ryan SpanPlayer·Ryan Span. Guskov is currently ranked No. 10 in the light heavyweight division, and a victory over a former champion like Błachowicz would significantly elevate his position and propel him closer to title contention.

For Błachowicz, a win is essential to reaffirm his status as a top-tier contender and demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level following his injury. For Guskov, it represents an opportunity to secure a landmark victory against a respected veteran and solidify his claim for a shot at the divisional title.

UFC BelgradeCompetition·UFC Belgrade will also mark a historic occasion for the organization, as it will be the first UFCCompetition·UFC event ever held in Serbia. The main event for the evening will feature a welterweight clash between local favorite Uroš MedićPlayer·Uroš Medić and the returning Daniel RodriguezPlayer·Daniel Rodriguez, adding further anticipation to the card.