TJ Grant concussion update: Injured UFC lightweight shelved until further notice

Things are going from bad to worse for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight T.J. Grant.

On the heels of a five-fight winning streak -- including a blistering first-round knockout of Gray Maynard -- Grant (21-5) was all set to challenge Ben Henderson for the division strap in the main event of UFC 164 all the way back in August, but was forced to withdraw from the championship contest after suffering a concussion.

And it happened during jiu-jitsu practice, of all things.

Amid cries of a "payoff," Grant had no choice but to step aside for Anthony Pettis, who subbed Henderson and took home the gold, only to get injured himself, stranding Josh Thomson at UFC on FOX 9. "Showtime" could be on the shelf for six-to-eight months, which means Grant should be all patched up and ready to fight for the title by then.

Maybe, maybe not.

Unfortunately, there is no timetable for his return. According to a report from UFC Tonight, Grant is still suffering from lingering effects of the blow, which include headaches and periods of fog. And the timing couldn't have been worse, as head trauma and pugilistic dementia have once again grabbed headlines in the wake of this incident.

UFC President Dana White told his injured fighter to take whatever time he needs to heal up and get better, as the lightweight title -- on hold while Pettis rehabs -- will still be there when he returns. If and when that actually happens, remains to be seen.

For more on Grant's unfortunate injury click here.