For those hoping for that Anthony Johnson vs. John Howard grudge match, I've got some bad news for you.
Martin Kampmann will instead step in to take on Howard at the upcoming UFC on Versus 4 event, which is slated to go down on June 26 in the organization's debut in Pittsburgh at the Consol Energy Center.
Dana White announced the bout earlier today:
"Verbal agreements are in for a battle between two of the best strikers in the welterweight division as John "Doomsday" Howard takes on Martin "The Hitman" Kampmann."
While some may dispute White's claim that these are two of the best strikers in the 170-pound division, there's no questioning the explosive nature of the fights they're both typically involved in.
Kampmann was last seen in a bloodbath with Diego Sanchez in the UFC's latest Versus fight card, boxing up and battering "The Dream's" face en route to a controversial decision loss. There was talk of an immediate rematch, one "The Hitman" is more than ready for, but that will have to wait for now.
He does, however, have a new opponent to focus his anger on.
John Howard was last seen in Dec. 2010 getting kicked around the cage by ruthless Muay Thai killer Thiago Alves at UFC 124. Before that, he was brutalized by Jake Ellenberger en route to a third round doctor's stoppage.
Those consecutive losses are likely the reason he's not getting that dream match-up against "Rumble" Johnson, who's coming off a victory over Dan Hardy.
All is not lost, however, with his fight against Kampmann. Sure, his job may hinge on his performance but if the past is any indication of the way he'll approach the bout, we're likely in for another show.
"Doomsday" is comin' y'all.
UFC on Versus 4 will feature a bevy of marquee match-ups including a heavyweight brouhaha between savvy strikers Pat Barry and Cheick Kongo.
In addition, Joe Stevenson will make his featherweight debut against Javier Vazquez while Manny Gamburyan welcomes Tyson Griffin to the 145-pound division.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for future updates to this still-developing fight card.
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