The buzz in Toronto last weekend surrounded UFC 165 on Saturday night, but earlier in the day the promotion opened up their hear

The buzz in Toronto last weekend surrounded UFC 165 on Saturday night, but earlier in the day the promotion opened up their hearts for the "Rally for Kids with Cancer" charity event downtown in the city. Sam Mills Youth Jersey . Participating in this event on behalf of the UFC was none other than Canadian lightweight T.J. Grant (21-5). I had a chance to catch up with the Cole Harbour native to discuss a variety of topics including his health, the UFC lightweight division and TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia. "(The UFC) does a great job of helping us give back and setup charitable functions every time theyre in new Canadian cities – for me to be able to come here and do this, its pretty awesome." Grant told TSN.ca "Im happy to have the opportunity to come here and to have UFC choose me -- Cancer has touched me, its touched everybody, its an awesome cause and Im just fortunate to do (Rally For Kids With Cancer)." While Grant was in good spirits, last week he broke the unfortunate news that hes still not ready to compete inside the octagon. Back in July, the 29-year old suffered a concussion while practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu in training and is still feeling the effects. "Its getting better I mean every day Im making progress -- I really feel like Im going to be back very soon." Grant earned a lightweight title shot back in May, as he made short work of former title challenger Gray Maynard at UFC 160. The concussion kept him out of action for that championship match at UFC 164 and now will be absent versus newly crowned champion Anthony Pettis at UFC on FOX 9. "Its just hard to commit, I know the (title fight) was three months away but theres still that unknown. I didnt want to make a bad decision for the long term so it doesnt hurt to wait it out." One of the topics of discussion has been if Grant will lose his title shot due to being inactive. "I dont feel like I have to reprove myself. You can never predict whats going to happen with the title. Who really knows? Im just taking it one step at a time and getting healthy." Being from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, we had to discuss if he knew Sidney Crosby, who ironically also suffered a concussion that kept him out of most of the 2011 NHL season. "Hes younger than me; I have some friends that were friends with him. I never really met him or anything. Hes a great guy from what I hear, Im happy for his success." "I know the dangers of repeated concussions. I just want to heal man, thats all Im trying to do." Replacing Grant in that title fight against Anthony Pettis in December is Josh Thomson, who most recently became the first man to finish TUF 5 champion Nate Diaz inside the octagon at UFC on FOX 7. "I think that hes probably the guy I would have picked just because of where hes ranked in the division -- Hes a great fighter, I think that those two guys are going to have a good scrap." The UFCs decision to pick Thomson in that title fight has sparked much debate, but Grant believes fighters who finish their opponents dictate title shots. "If youre fighting boring fights and youre barely winning, holding guys against the fence, (UFC) is going to do everything in their power to not give them a title shot. Unless you beat absolutely everyone." "I (finish fights) because for me, thats the only way to do it. Youve got to go in there and impose your will, the best defence is a good offence and thats just the way I am." In addition this weekend, the tryouts for TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia took place at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in downtown Toronto. Grant sees this as a great platform to showcase many up and coming Canadian fighters. "There are so many talented fighters from Canada; theyre going to have an opportunity to really jump start their career with The Ultimate Fighter." "It kind of opens the door; you get thrust on such a big spotlight. Im happy that its happening its great that they are having a Canadian team and Canada will be represented well. They have a lot of talent." Support TJ by following him on Twitter (@TJ_Grant) Sam Mills Jersey .com) - Longtime Senators star Daniel Alfredsson returned to Ottawa on Thursday to officially announce his retirement. Donte Jackson Panthers Jersey . Parnell will be out much longer if it turns out he needs surgery. But first, he will try resting for two weeks before beginning a throwing program that could last up to a month, general manager Sandy Alderson said. http://www.shoppanthersonline.us/panthers-cam-newton-blue-jersey/ . -- The Chiefs have signed seven players to reserve/future contracts, including running back Joe McKnight, a former fourth-round pick of the New York Jets. INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Mike Miller and James Jones came to Cleveland to help LeBron James win an NBA title. They hope Ray Allen joins them. Miller and Jones were introduced Wednesday by the Cavaliers, who remain interested in signing Allen, the most prolific 3-point shooter in league history. Jones, who won two NBA titles as James teammate in Miami, said he recently spent time with Allen in Connecticut. Jones saaid he would love to play with Allen again, but doesnt know if the 39-year-old will play another season. Will Grier Womens Jersey. Miller played with James on Tuesday at the superstars high school alma mater in Akron and reported the four-time league MVP "looks good" following a recent weight loss. Miller said James is "always driven" but that hes more committed than ever to bring a championship to Cleveland. ' ' '