On Monday afternoon, the UFC announced a welterweight matchup between dynamic striker Lorenz Larkin and hometown favorite John Howard has officially been added to UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston.

Howard (22-10), a former Ring of Combat and CES MMA middleweight champion, will enter this bout looking to put an end to his two fight losing streak, with his most recent ending in a close split decision to Brian Ebersole at UFC 178 in September. Prior to this string of loses, the man known as ‘Doomsday’ picked up two straight victories, including an upset victory over The Ultimate Fighter 17 standout Uriah Hall at UFC Fight Night 26, which also marked the UFC’s last trip to Boston. Howard will enter this bout with 15 career stoppage victories, including nine by way of knockout.

Larkin (14-4), a Strikeforce import, will enter this bout having lost four of his last five bouts, including three straight under the UFC banner. In his most recent performance,  ‘Monsoon’ suffered a decision victory to fellow Strikeforce veteran Derek Brunson at UFC 177 in August. Prior to this loss, fans saw Larkin on the receiving end of a violent knockout at the hands of Costas Philippou in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 40 in May. He will enter this bout with eight career stoppage victories, all of which have come by way of knockout.

A light heavyweight fight between TUF 19 runner-up Matt Van Buren (6-3)  and Sean O’Connell (15-6) was also announced for the event.

UFC Fight Night 59 is currently scheduled to take place on January 18 at the TD Garden in Boston. A featherweight matchup between Irish superstar Conor McGregor and German striker Dennis Siver will serve as the main event.

Here is how the rest of the card is shaping up:

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José began his career as a mixed martial arts journalist while still enrolled at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University. Since graduating in May 2013, he has attended dozens of high profile UFC fight cards as a credentialed member of the media, providing live cage side coverage through his articles and videos. His work has appeared on UFC.com, ArizonaSports.com and AZCentral. He is also currently one of the main contributors on Power MMA Show at Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, one of the first all MMA radio shows on a major radio station.