The UFC has rewarded up-and-comer John Howard with a new-four fight contract following a 3-0 start with the promotion. News of the Howard's new UFC deal was first reported by MMAWeekly.com.

Howard most recently scored an impressive come-from-behind third round knockout win over longtime MMA veteran Dennis Hallman at TUF 10 Finale last month. The win moved Howard to a perfect 3-0 in the UFC, with previous Octagon wins coming over Tamdan McCrory at UFC 101 and Chris Wilson in his Octagon debut at UFC 94 in January 2009.

All three of Howard's UFC fights have been on the un-aired preliminary portion of the events he's participated in, however, fans are starting to get to know him more through his very bitter, public feud with fellow welterweight Anthony Johnson.

The feud started after Howard elected not to sign a bout agreement to face Johnson for their proposed bout at last June's TUF 9 finale. Howard claimed that his management made the final decision, however, Johnson saw it differently, calling him a "coward." The two have since been throwing verbal jabs at each other through the media for months now. A match up between the two now seems destined to occur at some point in the near future.

Prior to joining the UFC, Howard fought mostly on the East Coast for notable promotions such as the IFL, Combat Zone, World Fighting League, Ring of Combat and Cage Fury Fighting Championships. He has put together a 13-4 MMA record over his five-year career, with nine of his 13 career wins coming by stoppage, including six by submission. Howard holds notable career wins over the likes of Jason Dublin (x2) and Charlie Brenneman.

Also of note, "Doomsday," who is currently training in Thailand, will be opening a newly franchised TapouT Boston gym later this year