UFC Releases ‘Doomsday’ Howard, ‘TUF 9’ Finalist Winner
Two more fighters now possess the title “UFC veteran,” as welterweight John Howard and lightweight Andre Winner have been cut from the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster.
Winner’s manager, Wad Alameddine, confirmed news of his client’s release to MMAJunkie.com on Monday, while Howard himself took to the Internet to address fans.
“The rumor is true: I got released today. They finally announced it,” Howard, 28, said in a video posted on his personal Twitter account. “All I have to say is, it is what it is. You get three straight losses in the UFC and this is what happens. I’m not too mad about it. It’s whatever, man. I tried 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.”
After winning four straight to begin his Octagon career, Howard suffered three consecutive losses, falling to Jake Ellenberger, Thiago Alves and, most recently, Brown in a June 26 unanimous decision. On Monday, the Boston native appeared upbeat and optimistic about his future in another promotion.
“My plans right now is to either go to Bellator or Dream, or something else. Whoever makes me the best offer, I’m gonna go there, make some money. That’s my goal right now,” explained Howard. “Right now, I’m a UFC veteran. I’m gonna make some money off that name. I’m gonna make a lot more money now... I’m not quitting. I’m coming back. You’ll see me soon.”
Winner, 29, was a finalist on the ninth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show, where he dropped a unanimous decision to British countryman Ross Pearson. Though he would rebound with back-to-back victories, the Team Rough House representative was bested thrice in the past 12 months, his last defeat coming in a lopsided decision loss to Anthony Njokuani on July 2.
