UFC Lightweight Contender T.J. Grant Benched Until Further Notice

(Pictured: TJ Grant via sherdog.com)

UFC lightweight contender T.J. Grant (21-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) just can’t seem to catch a break.

After putting together a five-fight win streak, which included a first-round starching of former title challenger Gray Maynard, Grant was awarded a title shot against then champion Benson Henderson, which was supposed to take place at August’s UFC 164 event in Milwaukee.

Unfortunately for Grant, the Canadian suffered a concussion while training for the championship contest, which forced him to withdraw from the event entirely.

With Grant unable to compete, the UFC gave the vacant title shot opportunity to Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis, who promptly defeated “Smooth” via armbar submission in the first-round to earn the UFC lightweight strap.

Recently it was announced that Pettis had suffered a knee injury that could keep him on the bench for 6-8 months, which means Grant should be healthy enough to fight for the title upon ‘Showtime’s’ return, right?

Well, maybe not.

According to a report from ‘UFC Tonight,’ Grant is still suffering from lingering effects of the blow, which include headaches and periods of fog. With that said, T.J. will remain sidelined for the forseeable future and there is no timetable for his return.

UFC President Dana White has told Grant to take whatever time he needs, adding that the lightweight title will still be there when (or if) he returns.