TJ Grant Out, Josh Thomson Will Challenge Anthony Pettis At UFC On Fox 9

It seems that the injuries that kept TJ Grant from his first title shot at UFC gold are still haunting him. News broke earlier today that the number one contender would be unable to get fit in time for a November scrap with the new 155lb. boss.

Grant confirmed via his Twitter:

Terrible news for Grant, who is currently riding a five fight win streak. Recent destructions of Gray Maynard and Matt Wiman helped put TJ Grant on the map at 155 very quickly, but it appears the Nova Scotia native will have to wait just a little longer.

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UFC officials confirmed via Fox Sports Live that there was already a replacement fighter lined up to step in against Pettis at UFC on Fox 9; Josh Thomson. Although 2-2 in his last four, Thomson has long been considered a top Lightweight and scored an impressive TKO win over Nate Diaz in his UFC return.

The question is how will Thomson’s excellent footwork and durability fare against the unpredictable finishing machine that is ‘Showtime’?