Anthony Pettis became the UFC lightweight champion a little over two weeks ago at UFC 164 when he defeated Benson Henderson. Pettis has a date and an opponent for his first title defense.
Pettis will be squaring off with former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson in the main event of UFC on Fox 9 on Saturday, December 14.
Thomson last fought in April at UFC on Fox 7 when he became the first to ever stop Nick Diaz when stopped Diaz in the second round. The Calfornia native got the shot at Pettis when T.J. Grant announced on Twitter last night that he was still experiencing the effects of a concussion he suffered in June.
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
UFC on Fox 9 will take place at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. Here is the updated card for UFC on Fox 9.
- Anthony Pettis vs. Josh Thomson – for UFC lightweight title
- Urijah Faber vs. Michael McDonald
- Nik Lentz vs. Chad Mendes
Steve Muehlhausen
Steven was a Featured UFC Columnist for Bleacher Report and a writer for MMASucka.com. Steven was also the host of the MMA show: The Fight Club Chicago, which aired for three years at various websites. You can email Steve at stevemuehlhausen@yahoo.com.
[…] Next Challenger For UFC Lightweight Title: The UFC announced on Monday and we reported on Tuesday that UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will make his first title defense against […]