Howard has ‘called’ Fight of the Night on Sunday night
PITTSBURGH -- If the other fighters on UFC on Versus 4 have plans for the Fight of the Night bonus, they should think again, according to John Howard. He and Matt Brown have the FOTN locked up.
"Matt Brown's really tough. He's got a chin and he comes out banging. He's going to bang with me and not lay and pray. Win or lose, we both get fight of the night. I called it," Howard said.
Like Brown, Howard is on a losing streak. He was TKOed by Jake Ellenberger in August and then dropped a decision to Thiago Alves in December. Both fighters are also known to be sluggers.
"It's going to be a good fight to watch. He's an awesome striker, I'm an awesome striker."
But beyond the fight with Brown, Howard has one fighter in his crosshairs: Anthony Johnson. "Rumble" and Howard have been trashtalking each other for months over two canceled fights.
"I cannot stand that kid. I do not like that kid. He doesn't like me. It's hard to be in the same room as him. I saw him yesterday in the media room, and it was hard not to start something with him. That kid has serious problems. Hopefully, we can fight in the UFC, but if not, there's going to be a streetfight. We have a score to settle for sure."
In their talk, Howard said that Johnson crossed a line.
"He called me a cotton picker. I took that personally. You don't go that far. That's personal."
Before he can get his hands on Johnson, Howard has to get through Brown.
"I'm a professional. At the end of the day, I do have to fight for a living. Look past that, and know that I've got to deal with it later. Good things come to those who wait."
