Report: Anthony Pettis vs T.J. Grant Lightweight title fight could headline UFC on FOX 9 in Sacramento

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Despite suffering a recent knee injury, newly-crowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis is eager to make his first title defense, telling company president Dana White that he's more than willing to fight T.J. Grant in the main event of UFC on FOX 9, which was recently made official for Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif., on Dec. 14, 2013.

White confirmed on "UFC Tonight" this evening on FOX Sports 1 that Pettis -- who escaped major injury after submitting Ben Henderson at UFC 164 to win the belt (watch highlights here) -- is 100 percent in on the idea; however, Grant -- who was forced out of the match against "Smooth" because of a concussion -- would prefer to return to mixed martial arts (MMA) action in Jan. 2014.

That uncertainty from the Canadian contradicts recent statements that he would be open to fighting in Dec. 2013 if and when the promotion came calling. It would certainly be in his best interests to sign on the dotted line -- world title fights on national television don't come around too often.

And after all, he's earned it!

If Anthony Pettis vs. T.J. Grant does indeed become official for UFC on FOX 9 soon, it will be complemented by a co-main event between Bantamweight standouts Urijah Faber and Michael McDonald.

For more information on UFC on FOX 9 be sure to hit up our complete event archive right here.