In his third amateur MMA bout, the son of UFC veteran Randy Couture tasted defeat for the first time. In Friday night’s Fight Night 2 main event in Bellingham, Washington, Elisey Yarovoy defeated Ryan Couture via unanimous decision.
Yarovoy, who is Ryan Couture’s former training and sparring partner, improved his amateur MMA record to 2-1 and gained the Fight Night Entertainment Lightweight Title in the process. Couture’s amateur record now stands at 2-1.
Ryan Couture, 26, made his amateur MMA debut in November 2008 at Fight Night 1, winning via first round submission (Triangle Choke) over Ricky Perez.
Ryan then went on to chalk up his second victory in as many fights by submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 28 seconds of the second round over Art Martinez at Tuf-N-Uff: Couture vs Martinez on February 15th of this year.
In Couture’s third amateur fight, and his toughest opponent to date, the eldest son of ‘Captain America’ was dominated for two of the three rounds, ending in a decision loss. It is the only defeat in his young career.
Ryan, who is currently a manager at his father’s Xtreme Couture Gym in Las Vegas, plans on competing five or six more times as an amateur before turning pro sometime in early 2010.
Working with some of the best fighters MMA has to offer at the Xtreme Couture camp should help Ryan along in his development and progress in mixed martial arts. Combine that with being the son of a future UFC Hall of Fame superstar and it seems nothing less than success is in the cards for young Couture.
PROPS – The Bellingham Herald
By: Jeff Howard
Sometimes it’s so hard to believe that a pillar from the MMA would lose. Ant to think he is the son of the famous icon in the UFC. However, this is not the end of the world for ryan, the bid from going pro next year will not hinder this loss. Every great player always stands up after losing.
We will be happy to see ryan stand up and fight while paving his way to the Pro’s
Losses are a part of the game. It’s how one rebounds and learns from those losses that is the important part.