John Howard

John Howard (born March 1, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist. 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.

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.

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."

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:

Ginsberg Academy Jujitsu – Cambridge, MA Waikru MMA – Allston, MA Sityodtong Muay Thai / MMA – Somerville, MA Team Grudge – Denver, CO

Notable coaches and training partners include: John Allen David Ginsberg Mark Nardone Nate Marquardt Scott Ream Eric Grossman Jorge Rivera (retired UFC fighter) Alexandre "Alex" Costa (Gracie Barra Boston)

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.”

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. 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. 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. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Howard was expected to face Martin Kampmann on June 26, 2011, at UFC on Versus 4 However, Kampmann was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Matt Brown. 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.

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. He defeated Hall via split decision.

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

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

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

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

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

Howard was expected to face Brandon Thatch on July 11, 2015, at UFC 189. 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. Howard won the fight via split decision.

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

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

After winning against Michael Arrant at WSOF 31 via unanimous decision, Howard faced Abubakar Nurmagomedov on October 7, 2016, at WSOF33, 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.

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

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.

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

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

Bare-knuckle boxing Howard made his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut against Pat Casey on June 14, 2025 at BKFC Fight Night 25. He lost the fight by technical knockout at the end of the first round due to cut.

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.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (One time) Knockout of the Night (One time) UFC.com Awards 2009: Ranked #7 Newcomer of the Year Ring of Combat ROC Welterweight Championship (One time) CES MMA CES Middleweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Ange Loosa Decision (unanimous) XMMA 4: Black Magic

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Loss

Ramazan Kuramagomedov Decision (unanimous) Eagle FC 44

Miami, Florida, United States Loss

Tyler Ray Decision (unanimous) XMMA 3: Vice City

Miami, Florida, United States Won

Ozzie Alvarez Decision (unanimous) CES MMA 63: Howard vs Alvarez

Springfield, Massachusetts, United States Loss

David Michaud Decision (unanimous) PFL 7 (2019)

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Ray Cooper III KO (punches) PFL 4 (2019)

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Magomed Magomedkerimov Submission (guillotine choke) PFL 1 (2019)

Uniondale, New York, United States Draw

Louis Taylor Technical Draw (illegal knee)

Win

Eddie Gordon Decision (unanimous)

Loss

Bruno Santos Decision (unanimous) PFL 6 (2018)

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Gasan Umalatov Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 3 (2018)

Washington D.C., United States Win

Roger Carroll Decision (unanimous) CES MMA 46: Howard vs. Carroll

Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Loss

Abubakar Nurmagomedov Decision (unanimous) WSOF 33

Kansas City, Missouri, United States Welterweight bout. Win

Michael Arrant Decision (unanimous) WSOF 31

Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States Return to Middleweight. Loss

Tim Means KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. VanZant

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Cathal Pendred Decision (split) UFC 189

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Lorenz Larkin TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Siver

Boston, Massachusetts, United States Loss

Brian Ebersole Decision (split) UFC 178

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Ryan LaFlare Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Siyar Bahadurzada Decision (unanimous) UFC 168

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Uriah Hall Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen

Boston, Massachusetts, United States Win

Chris Woodall TKO (punches) CES MMA: New Blood

Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Win

Jason Louck KO (punches) CES MMA: Path to Destruction

Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Loss

Leandro Batata Decision (unanimous) HFR 2: High Fight Rock 2

Goiânia, Brazil Win

Brett Chism TKO (punches) CES MMA: Real Pain

Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Win

Scott Rehm TKO (arm injury) CES MMA: Far Beyond Driven

Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Win

Todd Chattelle TKO (punches) CES MMA: Never Surrender

Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Win

Dennis Olson Decision (unanimous) CFA 3

Miami, Florida, United States Loss

Matt Brown Decision (unanimous) UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Loss

Thiago Alves Decision (unanimous) UFC 124

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Loss

Jake Ellenberger TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko

San Diego, California, United States Win

Daniel Roberts KO (punches) UFC Live: Vera vs. Jones

Broomfield, Colorado, United States Win

Dennis Hallman KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Tamdan McCrory Decision (split) UFC 101

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Win

Chris Wilson Decision (split) UFC 94

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Charlie Brenneman Decision (unanimous) Ring of Combat 21

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Nick Calandrino TKO (punches) IFL: Connecticut

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Win

Jose Rodriguez KO (punches) Ring of Combat 18

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Dan Miller Decision (unanimous) Ring of Combat 17

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Middleweight bout. Loss

Woody Weatherby TKO (punches) WFL 19

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Welterweight debut. For the vacant WFL Welterweight Championship. Win

Mandela K'ponou Submission (armbar) CZ 23

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Loss

Nick Catone Decision (unanimous) CFFC 5

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Josh Rosaaen Submission (triangle choke) CFFC 4

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Alexandre Moreno Submission (armbar) WFL 10

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Jason Dublin Submission (arm-triangle choke) CZ 15

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Won the vacant CZ Welterweight Championship. Win

Aldo Santos Submission (armbar) WFL 4

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Mandela K'ponou Submission (heel hook) WFL 1

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Les Richardson Submission (rear-naked choke) CZ 9

Revere, Massachusetts, United States Win

Jason Dublin Decision (unanimous) CZ 8

Revere, Massachusetts, United States

Bare-knuckle boxing record Loss

Pat Casey TKO BKFC Fight Night Mohegan Sun: Porter vs. Cleckler

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States