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Staph infection forces Ryan Couture off Strikeforce event

Las Vegas lightweight expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks

It looks as though Ryan Couture’s attempt at his first professional winning streak may have to wait until 2011.

Strikeforce officials announced Monday that Couture (1-0), son of former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture, has pulled out of his Nov. 19 lightweight fight against Juan Zapata due to a staph infection.

The fight had been scheduled to take place on the Strikeforce Challengers 12 event in Jackson, Miss.

“I was really looking forward to fighting so this is a big disappointment. But I’ll be back,” said Couture in a released statement. “As soon as I’m cleared, you can bet I’ll be back in the gym preparing for my next Strikeforce fight.”

The infection is expected to keep Couture out of action for three to four weeks, according to the release.

Couture, who lives and trains in Las Vegas, made his professional debut for Strikeforce in August, scoring a first-round submission win over Lucas Stark.

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at LVSunFighting

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