Former UFC lightweight contender TJ Grant looked well on his way to a title shot after knocking out Gray Maynard at UFC 160 last May, unfortunately, a concussion sustained in training has kept him out of action since then.

Speaking with MMA Junkie, the Canadian submission specialist said nothing is worth risking his long-term health.

“I could fight tomorrow – I just know it wouldn’t be good for my long-term health,” Grant said.

“Physically, I can do everything I need to, it’s just my brain. I want to make sure that’s OK, because it’s a lot more important than the other stuff. I know I can fight. I just want to be smart about it.”

As of January, Grant was still regarded as the No. 3 lightweight in the world according to the UFC’s official rankings based on the strength of a five-fight win streak.

However, Grant was removed from the rankings back in May after a year of inactivity.

Prior to his recent winning ways, Grant alternated wins and losses (3-3) inside the Octagon between April 2009 and December 2010.

At 30 years old, will Grant still be able to hang with the elite competition at 155 pounds when he returns or will his best days have passed him by at that point?