Ryan Couture vs. Lee Higgins Confirmed for Feb.18th

Thursday, January 20, 2011


By FCF Staff

Ryan Couture will be looking for his second pro win next month, as Strikeforce has confirmed that the Xtreme Couture lightweight will face the undefeated Lee Higgins, February 18th, at its upcoming Challengers card in Austin, Texas. The card, which will be hosted by the city’s Cedar Park Center, will be broadcast on Showtime.(Pictured: Couture submitting Lucas Stark last August)

Couture will be competing for the first time since August, 2010, when he submitted Lucas Stark with a first round armbar while making his pro debut. The 28 year-old-fighter, who is the son of MMA legend Randy Couture, was scheduled to fight again for Strikeforce in November; however, he was forced to withdraw due to a staph infection.

"I was down for a few weeks but now I'm ready to fight  and looking forward to fighting in Texas on Feb. 18,'' said Couture. "I'm excited and working hard. I expect a tough fight.''

Higgins has gone 2-0 since he transitioned into pro MMA last year. Most recently in December, the lightweight tapped out Gilbert Jiminez, while competing for the International Xtreme Fight Association.

"This is a great opportunity and an honor for me to fight the son of a legend,'' Higgins said. "I couldn't believe it when they offered me the fight. To get a chance to show my skills and make a name for myself on television is very exciting and absolutely a huge deal.''

Undefeated lightweight Lyle Beerbohm (15-0) will take on the well traveled vet Pat Healy (25-17) in the Feb. 18th card's main event.