John Howard (fighter)

Last updated
John Howard
John Howard MMA Doomsday 2025.jpg
John "Doomsday" Howard in 2025
Born (1983-03-01) March 1, 1983 (age 42)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Other namesDoomsday
ResidenceBoston, MA
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight171 lb (78 kg; 12.2 st)
Division Welterweight
Middleweight
Reach71 in (180 cm) [1]
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Boston, Massachusetts, United States
TeamDoomsday Defense Dojo, Ginsberg Academy BJJ
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu [2]
Years active2004–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total49
Wins29
By knockout10
By submission7
By decision12
Losses19
By knockout4
By submission2
By decision13
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

John Howard (born March 1, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division of the Eagle Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2004, Howard has formerly competed for the International Fight League, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, CES MMA, the Cage Fury Fighting Championships and Professional Fighters League.

Contents

Background

Howard was born and raised by his mother, Laurette, along with his sister in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, where he still resides to this day. Howard got into fights often while growing up. In high school, Howard played football and basketball. He found martial arts after going to a Job Corps to get his high school diploma, where he learned grappling from a freestyle grappler. Later on in his career, he has become well known for his wrestling skills and takedowns in MMA despite not having any background in it. After graduating, Howard began training at a local gym. Howard once sparred against Tamerlan Tsarnaev, a boxer, when the two trained at Wai Kru Mixed Martial Arts in Boston. [3] [4]

Nickname: "Doomsday"

Howard's nickname, "Doomsday," was given to him by his longtime friend Henry Ainslie during a car ride as they discussed powerful comic book villains and potential fighter aliases. After joking around, the name "Doomsday" — inspired by the infamous character who killed Superman — stuck. In his first official fight, the announcer mistakenly introduced him as "John, The Doomsday," which was later corrected to the now-famous "John 'Doomsday' Howard." [5]

Training

Over the course of his career, Howard has trained with top-tier coaches and teams around the world. His training includes time in Thailand, Brazil, and across the United States. He has been affiliated with several notable gyms:

Notable coaches and training partners include:

Legacy and Entrepreneurship

On March 1, 2025, Howard opened his own training facility, the Doomsday Defense Dojo in South Easton, Massachusetts. The gym is one of the only known Black-owned mixed martial arts schools in the region. It serves as a community space and training academy for youth, adults, and aspiring professional fighters. In addition to MMA instruction, the gym offers fitness programs and self-defense classes.

Speaking on the launch of his dojo, Howard said, “Opening Doomsday Defense Dojo is a dream come true — not just for me, but for my community. This isn’t just about fighting; it’s about building confidence, protecting yourself, and breaking cycles. I want kids, adults, everyone who walks in that door to feel seen, strong, and ready for life.”

Advocacy and Representation

In 2016, Howard was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 33. The diagnosis, which followed a series of neurological tests, gave him clarity about many of his life experiences. “Now a lot of stuff in my life makes sense,” Howard said in an interview. “It makes sense why I do certain things. Even to this day.” [6]

Following the diagnosis, Howard has used his platform to advocate for neurodivergent athletes. Through public speaking, media interviews, and inclusive programming at his dojo, he works to break stigma and encourage others to embrace their uniqueness. His gym offers sensory-friendly training and promotes martial arts as a tool for building confidence and communication for individuals on the spectrum.

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Howard made his UFC debut on January 31, 2009, against Chris Wilson at UFC 94, winning via split decision.

He then faced Tamdan McCrory at UFC 101. This fight was significant for both as the two had become friends fighting on promotions in the Northeast. Howard won the fight via split decision.

Howard fought Dennis Hallman on December 5, 2009, at The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale. [7] After getting out-grappled for most of the fight, Howard knocked out Hallman at 4:55 of the third round.

Howard was expected to face Anthony Johnson on March 21, 2010, at UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones, but Johnson sustained an injury during training. UFC newcomer Daniel Roberts stepped in to be Howard's new opponent. [8] Howard defeated Roberts via first-round KO.

Howard was defeated by Jake Ellenberger via third round TKO due to doctor stoppage at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko. Though Howard had success on the feet, he was unable to defend the takedowns of Ellenberger. Ellenberger would go on to cause Howard's left eye to close after repeatedly landing short elbows and punches from the guard leading to the stoppage,

Howard next faced former title challenger Thiago Alves on December 11, 2010, at UFC 124. [9] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Howard was expected to face Martin Kampmann on June 26, 2011, at UFC on Versus 4 [10] However, Kampmann was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Matt Brown. [11] Howard was defeated by Brown after three tough rounds via unanimous decision (29-28, 29–28, 29–28). After the loss to Brown, Howard was released from the promotion. [12]

Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES MMA)

Howard made his CES debut at CES MMA: Never Surrender against Todd Chattelle for the CES Middleweight Championship. He won via TKO in the second round.

Howard made his first title defense against Scott Rehm. He won via TKO.

Howard's next title defense was against Brett Chism. He won via TKO.

Howard's next title defense was at CES MMA: Path to Destruction, against Jason Louck. He won via KO just 23 seconds into the first round.

Howard defended his title for the fourth time against Chris Woodall. He won via KO in the first round.

Return to the UFC

Following the Boston Marathon bombing, Howard openly stated that he would like to be on the UFC Fight Night 26 card in Boston, Massachusetts in August 2013 to show support for his hometown. On July 17, 2013, it was announced that he would appear on the card, replacing Josh Samman in a Middleweight bout against Uriah Hall. [13] He defeated Hall via split decision. [14]

Howard returned to Welterweight and faced Siyar Bahadurzada on December 28, 2013, at UFC 168. [15] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Howard faced Ryan LaFlare at UFC Fight Night 39. [16] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Howard was then expected to face Rick Story at UFC Fight Night 45 on July 16, 2014. [17] However, he was forced from the bout due to injury and was replaced by returning veteran Leonardo Mafra. [18]

Howard faced Brian Ebersole on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. [19] He lost the fight via split decision.

Howard faced Lorenz Larkin on January 18, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 59. [20] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Howard was expected to face Brandon Thatch on July 11, 2015, at UFC 189. [21] However, on June 23, Thatch was pulled from that bout in favor of a fight with Gunnar Nelson as his scheduled opponent John Hathaway was forced out with injury. Howard faced Cathal Pendred at the event. [22] Howard won the fight via split decision. [23]

Howard faced Tim Means on December 10, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 80. [24] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round. [25]

World Series of Fighting

On March 8, 2016, it was announced that Howard had signed with the World Series of Fighting promotion. [26]

After winning against Michael Arrant at WSOF 31 via unanimous decision, Howard faced Abubakar Nurmagomedov on October 7, 2016, at WSOF33, [27] losing the fight via unanimous decision.

A year later on October 27, 2017, at CES MMA 46: Howard vs. Carroll, Howard faced Roger Carroll, winning the bout by unanimous decision.

Professional Fighters League

2018 Season

In the 2018 season, Howard participated in PFL 3 on July 5, where he faced Gasan Umalatov. Howard won the fight via submission using a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Howard then faced Bruno Santos at PFL 6 on August 16, 2018. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Later that year, at the 2018 PFL Middleweight Quarterfinal bout, Howard faced Eddie Gordon and won the fight via unanimous decision.

However, at PFL 10 on October 20, 2018, Howard's bout with Louis Taylor ended in a technical draw due to an illegal knee. Howard was eliminated via a first-round tiebreaker.

2019 Season

To start off the 2019 season on May 9, 2019, at PFL 1, Howard faced Magomed Magomedkerimov, losing the bout via guillotine choke at the end of the first round. [28]

On July 11, 2019, at PFL 4, he faced Ray Cooper III, winning the bout after knocking him out in the first round. [29]

However, his next fight against David Michaud at PFL 7 on October 11, 2019, resulted in a loss via unanimous decision.

Independent promotions

Howard faced Ozzie Alvarez at CES MMA 63: Howard vs Alvarez, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

Howard faced Tyler Ray at XMMA 3 on October 23, 2021. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. [30]

Howard faced Ramazan Kuramagomedov at Eagle FC 44, on January 28, 2022. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. [31]

Howard faced Ange Loosa on April 2, 2022, at XMMA 4. [32] He lost the bout via unanimous decision. [33]

Personal life

Howard has three daughters. Before fighting professionally, Howard worked as an electrician. He is also a diehard New England Patriots fan, and is a fan of all of the professional teams out of Boston including the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, and the Boston Bruins. He also enjoys playing video games in his free time. [34]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
49 matches29 wins19 losses
By knockout104
By submission72
By decision1213
Draws1
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss29–19–1Ange LoosaDecision (unanimous)XMMA 4: Black MagicApril 2, 202235:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Loss29–18–1 Ramazan Kuramagomedov Decision (unanimous) Eagle FC 44 January 28, 202235:00 Miami, Florida, United StatesSuper Welterweight bout.
Loss29–17–1Tyler RayDecision (unanimous)XMMA 3: Vice CityOctober 23, 202135:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Won29–16–1Ozzie AlvarezDecision (unanimous)CES MMA 63: Howard vs AlvarezAugust 6, 202135:00 Springfield, Massachusetts, United StatesMiddleweight bout.
Loss28–16–1 David Michaud Decision (unanimous) PFL 7 (2019) October 11, 201935:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 2019 PFL Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win28–15–1 Ray Cooper III KO (punches) PFL 4 (2019) July 11, 201913:23 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Loss27–15–1 Magomed Magomedkerimov Submission (guillotine choke) PFL 1 (2019) May 9, 201914:54 Uniondale, New York, United StatesReturn to Welterweight.
Draw27–14–1 Louis Taylor Technical Draw (illegal knee) PFL 10 (2018) October 20, 201824:55 Washington, D.C., United States 2018 PFL Middleweight Tournament Semifinal bout. Eliminated via first round tiebreaker.
Win27–14 Eddie Gordon Decision (unanimous)25:00 2018 PFL Middleweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Loss26–14 Bruno Santos Decision (unanimous) PFL 6 (2018) August 16, 201835:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win26–13 Gasan Umalatov Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 3 (2018) July 5, 201822:59 Washington D.C., United States
Win25–13Roger CarrollDecision (unanimous)CES MMA 46: Howard vs. CarrollOctober 27, 201735:00 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States
Loss24–13 Abubakar Nurmagomedov Decision (unanimous) WSOF 33 October 7, 201635:00 Kansas City, Missouri, United StatesWelterweight bout.
Win24–12Michael ArrantDecision (unanimous) WSOF 31 June 17, 201635:00 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United StatesReturn to Middleweight.
Loss23–12 Tim Means KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. VanZant December 10, 201520:21 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win23–11 Cathal Pendred Decision (split) UFC 189 July 11, 201535:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss22–11 Lorenz Larkin TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Siver January 18, 201512:17 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Loss22–10 Brian Ebersole Decision (split) UFC 178 September 27, 201435:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss22–9 Ryan LaFlare Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson April 11, 201435:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win22–8 Siyar Bahadurzada Decision (unanimous) UFC 168 December 28, 201335:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesReturn to Welterweight.
Win21–8 Uriah Hall Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen August 17, 201335:00 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win20–8Chris WoodallTKO (punches)CES MMA: New BloodJune 7, 201312:14 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United StatesDefended the CES Middleweight Championship.
Win19–8Jason LouckKO (punches)CES MMA: Path to DestructionApril 12, 201310:23 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United StatesDefended the CES Middleweight Championship.
Loss18–8Leandro BatataDecision (unanimous)HFR 2: High Fight Rock 2October 27, 201235:00 Goiânia, Brazil
Win18–7Brett ChismTKO (punches)CES MMA: Real PainOctober 6, 201223:31 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United StatesDefended the CES Middleweight Championship.
Win17–7Scott RehmTKO (arm injury)CES MMA: Far Beyond DrivenAugust 3, 201211:28 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United StatesDefended the CES Middleweight Championship.
Win16–7Todd ChattelleTKO (punches)CES MMA: Never SurrenderApril 13, 201224:42 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United StatesWon the CES Middleweight Championship.
Win15–7Dennis OlsonDecision (unanimous)CFA 3October 9, 201135:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Loss14–7 Matt Brown Decision (unanimous) UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry June 26, 201135:00 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss14–6 Thiago Alves Decision (unanimous) UFC 124 December 11, 201035:00 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Loss14–5 Jake Ellenberger TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko August 1, 201032:21 San Diego, California, United States
Win14–4 Daniel Roberts KO (punches) UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones March 21, 201012:01 Broomfield, Colorado, United StatesKnockout of the Night.
Win13–4 Dennis Hallman KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale December 5, 200934:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win12–4 Tamdan McCrory Decision (split) UFC 101 August 8, 200935:00 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win11–4 Chris Wilson Decision (split) UFC 94 January 31, 200935:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win10–4 Charlie Brenneman Decision (unanimous)Ring of Combat 21September 12, 200835:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United StatesWon the ROC Welterweight Championship.
Win9–4Nick CalandrinoTKO (punches)IFL: ConnecticutMay 16, 200832:24 Uncasville, Connecticut, United StatesReturn to Welterweight.
Win8–4Jose RodriguezKO (punches)Ring of Combat 18March 7, 200814:07 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Loss7–4 Dan Miller Decision (unanimous)Ring of Combat 17November 30, 200735:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United StatesMiddleweight bout.
Loss7–3Woody WeatherbyTKO (punches)WFL 19September 29, 200712:32 Revere, Massachusetts, United StatesWelterweight debut. For the vacant WFL Welterweight Championship.
Win7–2Mandela K'ponouSubmission (armbar)CZ 23August 25, 20071N/A Revere, Massachusetts, United States
Loss6–2 Nick Catone Decision (unanimous)CFFC 5June 23, 20073N/A Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win6–1Josh RosaaenSubmission (triangle choke)CFFC 4April 13, 200731:17 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Loss5–1Alexandre MorenoSubmission (armbar)WFL 10September 23, 20061N/A Revere, Massachusetts, United States
Win5–0Jason DublinSubmission (arm-triangle choke)CZ 15April 24, 200622:39 Revere, Massachusetts, United StatesWon the vacant CZ Welterweight Championship.
Win4–0Aldo SantosSubmission (armbar)WFL 4December 3, 200513:41 Revere, Massachusetts, United States
Win3–0Mandela K'ponouSubmission (heel hook)WFL 1February 5, 200522:52 Revere, Massachusetts, United States
Win2–0Les RichardsonSubmission (rear-naked choke)CZ 9December 4, 200422:53 Revere, Massachusetts, United States
Win1–0Jason DublinDecision (unanimous)CZ 8October 2, 200425:00 Revere, Massachusetts, United States

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Print Fight Card - UFC 178 Johnson vs. Cariaso". UFC . Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  2. ↑ "John Howard - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC . Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  3. ↑ Rodriguez, Ariel (January 16, 2015). "UFC fighter: I busted 'arrogant' Tamerlan Tsarnaev's nose". Boston Herald .
  4. ↑ "UFC fighter says he could have put accused Boston bomber 'down for good'". FoxNews.com . August 15, 2013.
  5. ↑ Nason, Josh (December 8, 2010). "John Howard Promises You Will Not See A Boring Fight". Bleacher Report .
  6. ↑ "At age 33, John Howard finally freed by diagnosis of clinical autism". MMAFIGHTING.com. 2016-06-16. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
  7. ↑ ""Superman" vs. "Doomsday" shifted to The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale in December". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2009-09-12. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
  8. ↑ "Daniel Roberts Steps in to Face John Howard". bostonherald.com. Retrieved 2010-02-14.
  9. ↑ "Thiago Alves vs. John Howard targeted for UFC 124". mmajunkie.com. September 2, 2010. Archived from the original on September 5, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Martin Kampmann vs. John Howard on tap for UFC on Versus 4". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2011-04-17. Retrieved 2011-04-13.
  11. ↑ "UFC on Versus 4: Matt Brown vs John Howard booked for June 26 with Martin Kampmann injured". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  12. ↑ "Welterweight John Howard Released from the UFC Following Loss at UFC on Versus 4". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2011-07-11.
  13. ↑ Staff (2013-07-17). "John Howard re-signs with the UFC, fights Uriah Hall at UFC on Fox Sports 1". bostonherald.com. Archived from the original on 2013-07-20. Retrieved 2013-07-17.
  14. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 26: Sonnen, Browne usher in Fox Sports 1 with quick finishes". 17 August 2013.
  15. ↑ Staff. "Siyar Bahadruzada vs. John Howard added to December's UFC 168 event". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  16. ↑ Mike Chiappetta (2014-02-14). "John Howard vs. Ryan LaFlare targeted for UFC's Abu Dhabi show". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2014-02-14.
  17. ↑ Jesse Holland (2014-05-05). "John Howard vs. Rick Story set for UFC Fight Night 45 on July 16 in Atlantic City". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2014-06-23.
  18. ↑ MMAJunkie.com Staff (2014-06-18). "Leonardo Mafra replaces John Howard at UFC Fight Night 45". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-06-23.
  19. ↑ Staff (2014-07-14). "Brian Ebersole vs. John Howard slated for UFC 178 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.net. Retrieved 2014-07-14.
  20. ↑ Staff (2014-11-03). "John Howard vs. Lorenz Larkin set for UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston". mmajunkie.net. Retrieved 2014-11-03.
  21. ↑ Mike Bohn (2015-04-01). "Brandon Thatch vs. John Howard added to UFC 189 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-04-01.
  22. ↑ Matt Erickson (2015-06-23). "Brandon Thatch meets Gunnar Nelson at UFC 189, John Howard now gets Cathal Pendred". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-23.
  23. ↑ Dave Doyle (2015-07-11). "UFC 189 results: John Howard gets the nod over Cathal Pendred". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
  24. ↑ Staff (2015-09-17). "UFC Fight Night 80 gets slew of new bouts, including Howard-Means, Graves-Roberts". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-09-17.
  25. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2015-12-10). "UFC Fight Night 80 results: Tim Means knocks John Howard stiff in second round". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  26. ↑ Rey Sefo (2016-03-01). "WSOF Signs Gladiator, Thug Nasty And Doomsday". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
  27. ↑ "WSOF 34". pictaram.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  28. ↑ "Магомед Магомедкеримов победил Джона Ховарда". AllBoxing.ru - все новости бокса, ММА (MMA), UFC (ЮФС), Bellator, ACA, бои без правил. Видео и фото, прямые трансляции (in Russian). 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  29. ↑ Anderson, Jay (2019-07-11). "PFL 4 2019 Results: John Howard Scores Highlight Reel TKO of Ray Cooper III". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-09-13.
  30. ↑ "XMMA 3 Results - Dodson vs Gibson". MMA Sucka. 2021-10-23. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  31. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2022-01-28). "LIVE! Eagle FC 44 Results & Streaming Updates". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  32. ↑ "14 former UFC fighters booked for XMMA 4 card in New Orleans". MMA Junkie. 2022-03-11. Retrieved 2022-03-11.
  33. ↑ "XMMA 4 video results, full replay: John Dodson tops Francisco Rivera; Jared Gooden and Kyle Stewart thrive". MMA Junkie. 2022-04-03. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  34. ↑ "Dorchester's John Howard hopes to log bonus time". BOSTONHERALD.com. 2009-08-07. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  35. ↑ Thomas Gerbasi (December 18, 2009). "Ten Best – The Newcomers of 2009". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.