“It was amazing … Dreams come true. I still can’t believe it. Every day I wake up and I thank God, because for that to happen — for someone to go to the UFC for the first time and get that [”Fight of the Night”] bonus — is unbelievable…. It was a blessing from God because I was struggling. I was poor. I’m still poor. I made some money but I came from a poor background. I had to work hard for everything I have…. Back then [UFC 94], that type of money was life-changing. It helped me a lot to train harder and be more focused on my fights. I just thank Dana White and (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva for that. It really helped me and my kids out so much…. I can give them something more than I had myself. It’s an opportunity to give them something better…. I’m trying to go for it again. I’m going for the win, but I’d like to go all-out for the bonus. I’m just going to try to go out there and do my thing.”

UFC welterweight up-and-comer John Howard recently spoke to the Boston Herald about his performance in his UFC debut. Howard earned a $65,000 "Fight of the Night" bonus at UFC 94 in a unanimous decision over Chris Wilson. He now looks to a get a second fight night bonus in his bout against Tamdan McCrory at tomorrow's UFC 101. Howard and McCrory are familiar with one another as they both fought in smaller circuit shows together.

Howard earned a shot in the UFC after putting together a three fight win streak. He has an 11-4 overall professional record, with 8 wins by way of stoppage and has fought in numerous promotions such as IFL, Ring Of Combat, Cage Fury Fighting Championships and World Fighting League.