Down to earth Howard ready for next step

John Howard has been yeoman-like during his early days in the UFC. Sure the dude can talk trash with the best of them, but it's his down-to-earth nature that may take him into deep waters in the welterweight division. Howard has slowly worked his way up the ladder with wins over Dennis Hallman, Daniel Roberts, Tamdan McCrory and Chris Wilson. All solid fighters but none spectacular. He was staring at an opportunity for a signature win against the highly touted Anthony Johnson but that fight was cancelled because of a Johnson injury. But you didn't hear Howard whine and he isn't complaining that his next opponent is a relative no name. In fact, he's giving Jake Ellenberger an unusual level of respect. From Heavy.com: "I’m expecting him to come out hardcore and I’m prepared for that," Howard said. "I know he has heavy hands but I have heavy hands too. If he wants to brawl with a boxer then all power to him. Obviously I’m nervous, but I’m actually excited too. We have main card, on TV, and we’re going to have some fun."You'd expect that kind of straight talk from a guy who grew up in a gritty section of New England. The guy has made pretty nice money thus far with the promotion, having earned two bonuses on fight night. Yet he still hasn't replaced his 1994 Honda Accord."It’s messed up. The locks are messed up, the tires. It’s my favorite car. I love it," Howard said. "That’s what makes me happy. That’s the type of guy I am. I don’t need certain things to make an impression. I tell people be happy with what you got. I am too."Howard (14-4, 4-0 UFC) and Ellenberger (22-5, 1-1 UFC) square off on Sunday during UFC on Versus 2. Ellenberger has less UFC experience than Howard but his competition may have been stronger, splitting fights against Mike Pyle and Carlos Condit.  chuck liddell martial art mma fight mma training