No sooner did Ryan Couture secure an opponent for his second professional fight than he had to pull out of it. A lingering staph infection in Couture's leg has forced him to withdraw from Strikeforce Challengers 12, Strikeforce officials today announced. As MMAjunkie first reported over the weekend, officials recently secured Juan Zapata as an opponent for Couture. It is unknown whether Strikeforce will secure a new opponent for Zapata or scratch the bout entirely. "I was really looking forward to fighting, so this is a big disappointment, but I'll be back," Couture stated. "As soon as I'm cleared, you can bet I'll be back in the gym preparing for my next Strikeforce fight." Strikeforce Challengers 12 takes place Nov. 19 at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Miss. The headliner pits lightweight Justin Wilcox against Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro.

Ryan Couture out of Strikeforce Challengers 12 co-headliner with staph infection