Daniel Roberts vs John Howard for UFC on Versus 1 with Anthony Johnson hurt

UFC newcomer Daniel Roberts (9-0) will get his big break at the upcoming UFC on Versus event as he fills in for an injured Anthony Johnson (knee) against John Howard (13-4) from the The Odeum Colorado in Broomfield on March 21.

The Boston Herald confirmed the change in opponents earlier today.

Roberts fought as recently as January 16, clowning the well-traveled Anthony Macias en route to a first round submission (punches) stoppage at 5150 Combat League's "New Year's Revolution" in Tulsa.

For those of you keeping score at home, that's the same event that saw Joey Beltran stop Houston Alexander to get his chance to compete for the world's largest fight promotion.

Can Roberts find similar success in his Octagon debut?

Howard was paired up with Tamdan McCrory at UFC 101 in Philadelphia back on August 8, squeaking past "The Barn Cat" via split decision. The win was good enough to earn him a crack at Dennis Hallman at UFC 106 on Nov. 21.

Dooms came from behind to stop "Superman" with just seconds remaining in their clash.

Howard was ready to test himself against Johnson and solidify his place in a very crowded 170-pound division but will instead have to prepare for a dangerous fight against the burgeoning newcomer.

UFC on Versus 1 is set to feature a fantastic main event between dynamic light heavyweight strikers Brandon "The Truth" Vera and Jon "Bones" Jones. Junior "Cigano" dos Santos and Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga are also expected to be in action on what is shaping up to be a great card for the promotion's debut on the Versus network.

To check out the latest fight card and rumors for UFC on Versus 1: "Vera vs. Jones" click here.