It was announced earlier this evening that Anthony Pettis would be defending his UFC lightweight championship for the first time against T.J. Grant.

Pettis defeated Benson Henderson in the main event at UFC 164 via first round armbar to become the UFC lightweight champion.

Anthony Pettis sidelined for 7-weeks with grade II knee sprain

The date and venue are unknown and until this evening the timeframe was unknown as well, because of Pettis’ knee injury which occurred in the championship fight.

This evening on Sportscenter UFC President Dana White announced that Pettis would be out for 7-weeks with a grade II sprain.

Pettis has a grade 2 sprain. Needs to rehab and will be back in 7 weeks

— Dana White (@danawhite) September 4, 2013

Following the UFC 164 main event, Pettis said he wasn’t exactly sure what happened.

“I’m not sure yet. Henderson threw a kick and I went to check with my left leg and he hit right in the crook of the knee so it was like I felt it go back and forth. I don’t know what happened yet.”

Look for the lightweight title fight to go down in early 2014 and White stated that Pettis, if victorious against Grant would take on either former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez or featherweight title holder Jose Aldo.

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