Lightweight fighter Ryan Couture (5-1) is about to face the toughest opponent of his career when he steps into the cage against KJ Noons this coming Saturday in the opening Showtime Extreme broadcasted bout of the Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine event.
Strikeforce posted an interview with the lightweight fighter on Tuesday, which I found to be a bit interesting as Couture talked about having to look past the fact that he’s looked up to Noons for “a long time.” I just found it odd because of who Couture’s father is, UFC Hall of Famer and former two division champ Randy Couture. One might think if you were to look up to anyone it would be a father like that but I didn’t grow up in the Couture household and my father isn’t anyone famous.
The article is still an interesting read, if you’ve got the time, as the younger Couture talks about his development as a fighter and his motivation leading into this fight.
“I have watched KJ for a long time, before I fought professional and even before that was a realistic thing for me,” admits Couture. “It’s going to be weird and kinda cool to be standing across the cage from someone I’ve followed for a long time, that I’ve always enjoyed watching fight, and kind of looked up to in a way. It is a sense of accomplishment to even have that opportunity, but I have to shift gears and look across the cage at him as someone I’m going to beat. Over the course of training camp, that’s really started to click. I’m feeling confident going into this fight. As far as name guys and top level guys that Strikeforce has to offer, he’s style-wise one of the best matchups for me. I think it’s pretty clear-cut that he’s going to want to box and brawl with me and I’m going to want to make him wrestle. Whoever can impose their plan is going to win this fight. I like that it’s a challenge, but I also know it’s doable. I know it’s a fight I can win and I just have to execute and be sharp on fight night.”
What the article is missing is any thoughts from Couture on possibly moving to the UFC. A win could certainly earn him a contract and would provide the UFC with a gimmick for future events but with an already stacked 155-lbs division, which is about to become more stacked, earning a spot could prove difficult.