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:
Hey people. Quick update. Unfortunately I won’t be fighting Pettis on dec 14. I am still not yet 100% n can’t commit to fight. UFC is going
— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) September 17, 2013
With someone else instead. It sucks but it is the best for both myself and the UFC. Please don’t worry. Ill be back and if I gotta fight
— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) September 17, 2013
Someone else to get back to where I wanna be then that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m not bitter. Thanks
— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) September 17, 2013
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.
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’?