Welterweight mixed martial artist John “Doomsday” Howard (14-7) confirmed Monday he has been released from the UFC. In a video statement posted via Twitter, Howard said:
“Yes, the rumors are true, I got released today. They finally announced it. The only thing I can say is, it is what it is, man. You get three straight losses in the UFC and this is what happens, you get kicked out the UFC. I’m not too mad about it. It’s whatever. I’m gonna try my best . My last fight with Matt Brown, I didn’t think I lost, but when it goes to the judges that’s what happens.”
Beginning in Jan. 2009, Howard won his first four bouts inside the UFC Octagon, picking up “Fight of the Night” and “Knockout of the Night” bonuses in the process.
At that point the Boston native had positioned himself as one of the organization’s top 170-pound prospects.
Then in Aug. 2010, Howard suffered his first UFC defeat, a TKO (doctor stoppage) to Jake Ellenberger. In Dec. 2010, he lost his second UFC fight, a unanimous decision to Thiago Alves.
The final straw took place at UFC on Versus 4 last month when Howard lost a somewhat controversial unanimous decision to Matt Brown. ProMMAnow.com unofficially scored the fight for Howard.
The 28-year-old Howard explained where he goes from here:
“My plans right now are either to go to Bellator or Dream, or something else, man. Whoever makes me the best offer, I’m a go there and make some money. That’s my goal right now. To the UFC, Dana White and Joe Silva, thanks for the opportunity. Right now I’m a UFC veteran. I’m going to make some money off that name. I’m going to make a lot more money now probably. So thank you MMA fans, thank you for the supporters, but yeah, I’m just here to confirm it is true, but I’m not quitting, I’m coming back and you’ll see me soon.”
Fight fans can keep up with Howard via his Twitter page @JohnDoomsday.