Ryan Couture has been forced to withdraw from his Strikeforce Challengers 12 fight later this month against Juan Zapata due to a staph infection, the organization announced Monday evening.

"I was really looking forward to fighting so this is a big disappointment, but I'll be back" Couture stated in a press release. "As soon as I'm cleared, you can bet I'll be back in the gym preparing for my next Strikeforce fight."

The release also stated that the 28-year-old is expected to be out of action for three to four weeks. No word on when he will fight next.

The next Strikeforce Challengers event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19, at Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Miss. It will air on Showtime at 11 PM ET/PT.

The event will be headlined by Justin Wilcox vs. Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro.

The 1-0 Couture, who's the son of UFC Hall-of-Fame member Randy Couture, made his pro MMA debut in August, defeating Lucas Stark in just 75 seconds.