Brandon Thatch Set to Face John Howard at UFC 189

The card for UFC 189 is already stacked with star power, but the event added a little more firepower with the recent addition of what is guaranteed to be a shootout in the welterweight ranks.

As announced on Wednesday's edition of UFC Tonight, the promotion's July 11 event has added a bout between 170-pound knockout artists Brandon "Rukus" Thatch and John Howard. The card is already figured to be one of the biggest of the year, with two title fights atop the billing as Jose Aldo will defend his featherweight strap against Conor McGregor and welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is set to risk his title against Rory MacDonald.

UFC 189 will take place at the MGM in Las Vegas and will be a part of the organization's annual "International Fight Week" celebration.

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The bout between Thatch and Howard represents a crucial juncture in the careers of both fighters. Rukus will look to bounce back from his first loss in six years, when he was submitted by former lightweight champion Benson Henderson at Fight Night 60 back in February. Prior to his setback against Smooth, the Colorado native had won 10 consecutive bouts, with two of those victories coming under the UFC banner.

Due in large part to his striking skills, Thatch has generated a solid amount of buzz for his potential to be a major player in the 170-pound ranks, and he'll need a victory over Howard to put those expectations back on track.

Things look a bit different on Howard's side of the table going into UFC 189. Where Doomsday had previously built enough momentum to earn himself another tour on the UFC roster, the Massachusetts native has hit rough waters as of late. The Boston-based fighter has dropped each of his past three outings inside the Octagon, with his most recent showing ending via stoppage at the hands of Lorenz Larkin at Fight Night 57.

A loss against Thatch could well cost Howard his spot on the UFC's welterweight roster, but a victory over the up-and-coming striker would be the ideal scenario to keep his time inside the Octagon rolling.

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand, unless noted otherwise.