The competition continues to stiffen for lightweight Ryan Couture.


The bout is likely to serve on the Showtime Extreme-televised preliminary card of the event, which takes place Jan. 12 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Main-card fights, including three title bouts, air on Showtime.

Couture, the son of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, climbed another step on the lightweight ladder in his most recent Strikeforce appearance when he outpointed Joe Duarte at "Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy." The win followed another decision over tough veteran Conor Heun at "Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey."

Following his win over Duarte, Couture said his ultimate goal was to earn a shot at the title.

Noons looks to redeem himself for a decision loss to ex-champ Josh Thomson at "Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey," which reversed his course following an impressive decision over Billy Evangelista.

The former pro boxer and EliteXC champ moved