Ryan Duane Couture (born August 27, 1982)[2] is an American professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of Bellator MMA.
Before he began pursuing an MMA career, Couture worked at a bank, and trained with Nicolas Lipari.
He debuted in the Strikeforce promotion's lightweight division, defeating Lucas Stark via triangle choke in the first round.
[4] Couture was scheduled to fight Juan Zapata on November 19, 2010, however he was forced to withdraw because of a staph infection.
[5] Couture fought at Strikeforce Challengers: Beerbohm vs. Healy against Lee Higgins and won the bout via rear-naked choke in the 3rd round.
[6] The victory over Higgins upped Couture's professional record to 2–0, with both fights coming under the Strikeforce banner.
[7] In his next fight, Couture faced Matt Ricehouse at Strikeforce Challengers: Fodor vs. Terry.
Couture rebounded from the first loss of his career when he defeated Maka Watson via majority decision at Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Rossborough.
Having spent his entire professional career in the Strikeforce promotion, Couture was featured on their final show as he faced former EliteXC World Lightweight Champion.
Couture was expected to face Quinn Mulhern in a lightweight bout on August 31, 2013, at UFC 164.
[15] Couture returned to the cage on the smaller circuit and he has since rattled off 2 straight victories, both being finishes defeating Kyle Sjafiroeddin by rear naked choke in the first round on January 18, 2014 at Battlegrounds MMA 3.