TJ Grant defeats Gray Maynard to earn himself a lightweight title shot

TJ Grant becomes new lightweight number 1 contender

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

On Saturday night TJ Grant had a night to remember. He impressed everyone with his 1st round TKO win over Gray Maynard. Especially impressed was Mike Tyson who was watching on cage side. He was so impressed with Grant's performance that he overrode Joe Silva's decision to award Junior Dos Santos with KO of the night honours. Instead he managed to persuade the UFC brass to award it to Grant for his KO instead!

He was certainly impressive in a stand up battle he handled the always tough Maynard with ease. Like many of his previous fights Grant again came in as the underdog and he again proved many people wrong. He dropped Maynard in the 1st round with a sweet right hook overhand right combo. He poured it on Maynard with a flurry of punches and to Maynard's credit he managed to get to his feet, only to be put back down with a crunching knee to the face.

Grant made no mistake this time and didn't let up until the referee was forced to step in. This was a massive win and a massive performance for Grant and he took his chance impressively. Dana White wanted someone to come in and give him no choice but to give the winner a title shot. Grant certainly did that.

Grant is now the clear number 1 contender and will go on to face Lightweight champion Benson Henderson. The date of the fight is yet to be confirmed with one possible target date being the UFC on FOX Sports 1 show scheduled for August 17th in Boston.