Chris Wilson vs John Howard UFC 94 fight made official for Jan. 31

A welterweight match up between Chris Wilson and Octagon newcomer John Howard has been added to the UFC 94: "St. Pierre vs. Penn 2" preliminary card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 31, 2009.

Wilson is a two-fight UFC veteran. He has also competed in several other promotions throughout his five years career such as the International Fight League (IFL) and Bodog Fight, among others, taking on -- and defeating -- tough guys such as Rory Markham, Jay Heiron and Derrick Noble.

He had a recent four-fight win streak snapped earlier this year when he stepped up on short notice to take on top division contender Jon Fitch on super short notice in a losing effort (unanimous decision). The Team Quest fighter, however, made the best of the opportunity and looked impressive.

He was invited back shortly thereafter and defeated Steve Bruno in a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 87: "Seek and Destroy."

Howard earned his shot in the big show courtesy of a solid record fighting in smaller shows throughout the Northeast such as Ring of Combat and Cage Fury Fighting Championships. He is currently riding a three-fight win streak and went undefeated in 2008 (3-0).

He, too, has also competed in the IFL -- a technical knockout win over the previously unbeaten Nick Calandrino.

It's going to be a tough test, but as he will soon find out, there don't appear to be an easy assignments on the loaded UFC 170-pound division.

UFC 94 will feature the welterweight superfight between former 170-pound champion and current lightweight kingpin BJ Penn versus reigning welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, as well as the highly anticipated showdown between light heavyweight unbeatens Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva.

To check out the latest UFC 94 fight card and rumors click here.