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Ryan Kuse news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Ryan Kuse (9-2) makes his UFC debut against Marcio Barbosa at UFC Sacramento. The short-notice replacement faces a heavy favorite in his first Octagon appearance.
Background
Ryan Kuse is a featherweight fighter with a 9-2 record, known for his knockout power, including a head-kick KO at Karate Combat 62. He stepped in on short notice to replace the injured Danny Silva against Marcio Barbosa, who is a proven finisher with a first-round KO in his own UFC debut. The fight is part of UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Rodrigues at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
How it unfolded
- Aug 15, 2026UFC announced Ryan Kuse as a short-notice replacement for the injured Danny Silva to face Marcio Barbosa at UFC Sacramento.
- Aug 20, 2026Betting odds released, with Barbosa a heavy favorite (around -900 to -1133) and Kuse a significant underdog (+600 to +610).
- Aug 22, 2026UFC Sacramento takes place; Kuse makes his UFC debut against Barbosa on the preliminary card.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Analysts note Kuse's dangerous striking but point out that making a UFC debut against a finisher like Barbosa is a massive step up in competition.
- Bettors
- Betting markets heavily favor Barbosa, with odds suggesting a likely finish inside the distance.