TJ Grant forced out of UFC title shot

UFC number one contender TJ Grant has been forced to suspend his hopes of fighting lightweight champion Anthony Pettis later this year, as he continues a slow recovery from injury.

Grant was initially scheduled to fight former champion Benson Henderson last month, but suffered a concussion in training and withdrew from the bout.

Pettis stepped in and took full advantage of his title opportunity, submitting Henderson with an armbar to become lightweight king.

UFC president Dana White had suggested giving Grant the first shot at Pettis in December, but the Canadian has revealed on Twitter tonight that those plans have been shelved.

He tweeted: "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 with someone else instead. It sucks but it is the best for both myself and the UFC. Please don't worry.

"I'll be back and if I gotta fight someone else to get back to where I wanna be then that's what I'm gonna do. I'm not bitter. Thanks."

The 29-year-old has won his last five consecutive fights in a run stretching back to 2011, including knockout victories over Grey Maynard and Matt Wiman.