Ryan Couture started wrestling in 7th grade.  While a senior in high school, he finished 3rd at the state meet at 135 lbs.  As a math major in college he decided that he would pursue his dream of fighting in the UFC after growing up watching the success that his father enjoyed in the sport. 

"After five years at college getting fat, I decided to get into the game when I ran into some guys I wrestled with in high school and they invited me to a jujitsu class," Couture told FiveKnuckles.com. "I had an opportunity about a year and a half ago to move to Las Vegas to work and train at Extreme Couture Gym and I jumped at it." 

This past Saturday his hard work and determination payed off.  In only his second fight, Ryan won the main event match up at amateur promotion "Tuff-N-Uff at the Orleans" He took just 1:22 seconds in the first round to submit his opponent via armbar.

Mark Peel of FiveKnuckles.com sat down with Ryan Couture on his birthday to discuss his future in MMA fighting, training, and of course... his father Randy Couture.

FiveKnuckles.com:  Who are you training with at Extreme Couture?

Ryan Couture:  I'm training with the head of our pro MMA team, Shawn Tompkins, Mike Pyle, and several others in the gym.

FiveKnuckles.com:  How did your nickname Ryan "The Lion" Couture come about?

Ryan Couture:  That is not official. Mike Pyle and everyone in the gym joke around and have nicknames, although I think they are silly.  That nickname actually belongs to Ryan Schultz.

FiveKnuckles.com:  What are your goals in MMA or the possibility going of going pro?

Ryan Couture:  I'm pursuing the sport as far as I can go.  I love training and the competition of MMA.  The UFC has always been a dream of mine, but there are several organizations out there.  UFC, Strikeforce, or the WEC.  Whichever is suited for my ability.

FiveKnuckles.com:  Does being the son of UFC Hall of Fame fighter Randy Couture have added pressure that you become a great fighter?

Ryan Couture:  I think there is an expectation, but I'm doing it because I love it.  At first, I felt the pressure from the media.  I've quickly learned to try and make it as fun as possible for me.

FiveKnuckles.com: What advice did your father give you?

Ryan Couture:  You know he is leaving it up to me to forge my own path and make my own decisions.  I have had the luxury of seeing what others like my dad have gone through in this sport.

FiveKnuckles.com:  So what is next on the horizon for you?

Ryan Couture:  I have had several offers.  Tuff-N-Uff and Matt Lindland's organization Sportfight have recently shown interest.

FiveKnuckles.com:  What is your prediction for this weekends UFC 102 heavyweight bout between Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira?

Ryan Couture:  My dad looks incredible.  Maybe the best shape he has been in years.  If Nogueira comes prepared, this could be a classic fight.  If not, this could be a very rough night for him.  I want my dad to win.

FiveKnuckles.com:  I would like to thank you and wish you luck in all that you do.  Are there any sponsors you would like to thank?

Ryan Couture: Thank you.  I would like to thank my family, trainers, and everyone at Extreme Couture Gym.

Make sure to check back with us the day of the event for free, live, round-by-round coverage of UFC 102 right here at FiveKnuckles.com! Join expert analyst Mike Williams as he takes you through the entire fight card blow-by-blow and then keep it right here for all the post-fight news and notes you can handle!