TJ Grant (21-5) has won five straight fights, including his last two by nasty stoppages, but he also hasn’t fought in about a year and a half. While training for a UFC title bout, Grant sustained a concussion.
That injury, and the after-effects, have kept the powerful wrestler out of competition since May, 2013. In a recent interview, Grant says that his recovery is coming along, but that he has also not begun sparring again or worked out a time table for when he’ll fight again.
"There’s no time table,” Grant told MMA Junkie.
“I can work out at high intensity, I just don’t spar and stuff like that. We’ll see what happens. I’m just doing what I can and not getting too far away from the sport. Still somehow stay involved in it, watch it and keep my body in good shape. That’s really all I can do.”
The lay-off has been hard on Grant, but he remains optimistic. “It’s definitely been difficult,” he admitted.
“The whole year’s been difficult. Being a professional fighter, you need to be at another level and I’m optimistic going forward that I’ll get better.”
Grant went on to explain that, though he is physically fit to fight, he is still concerned about his long-term brain health. That’s why he’s being careful about his come back.
“I could fight tomorrow - I just know it wouldn’t be good for my long-term health,” he said.
Grant is a hard working and exciting fighter, and we wish him all the best during his recover. We’re glad to hear that he’s taking a cautious path back to the cage in order to protect his health.
Hopefully his sponsors and the UFC are continuing to support him so he can pay the bills and work towards a return.
Follow Elias on Twitter @EliasCepeda & @YahooCagewriter
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