Reliable sources have told me that TJ's camp told the UFC that he should be ready to fight in January, assuming that his upcoming Doctor's appointment goes well and he is medically cleared to get back to training.
TJ suffered a concussion while training in June, and although he is much better, is still not 100%.
Apparently his camp would not commit to a December showdown with Pettis until they knew that he'd have the time to get an 8-week camp in for the fight.
Some might call that semantics, but it's not a "withdrawal," like written by some.
Understandable the UFC wanted the fight locked up and confirmed so they can start marketing and locking up the whole card. TJ couldnt commit, so they passed him up.
Unfortunate for TJ, but understandable from the UFC.
Dont think it matters, he isnt gonna be able to fight in Dec and they arent pushing this fight back for him, not when Pettis is the star and they need/want him on that Dec Fox show.
If the challenger cant be ready they find someone who can. Not Grants fault, he should take as much time as he needs to get healthy and then just hope they either give him a contender fight next year or a titel shot in the spring.
KOdClowning - TJ Grant lacks the star power - let's be honest here. ZUFFA doesn't see dollar signs with TJ Grant. They gave him a small window - here is your opportunity. He isn't ready. It's like the bus driver sees someone running to the stop , they are 150 feet away, but he pulls off as it is technically time for him to leave the stop.
TJ Grant missed the bus. Zuffa wasn't waiting for him.
Mostly the same thing. The UFC wants Pettis on that December card and Grant won't be ready for it, so you give the shot to the next challenger.
I just hope TJ gets his title shot eventually, I really don't want him to lose then be thrown at the back of the line.
Granted (lol), he would probably have to fight Dos Anjos if the UFC makes him fight again, and i think he wins that fight. But if he has to fight Melendez or Bendo, that's gonna be tough.
If anyone really thinks Grant ever gets a title shot; they are a fool.
Grant draws zero dollars and as such means the UFC views him as a risk.
A Grant win would mean a champ who has little UFC exposure which means he would be of no value at the top of the card.
Too much risk, too little reward for the UFC.
Grant will have to win 7 in a row and get himself over with continued dominant victories and get a little personality along the way to become what they need.
They view Pettis as money.
If you want to fight him, you had better not be able to win and guarantee Pettis stays earning or you'd better be money yourself.
Grant could win this fight but he wouldn't be a star in doing so and would have a year or more of low numbers as champ.
Henderson wasn't even a star with drawing power even after multiple FOX slots.
