LFA and Karate Combat veteran Ryan Kuse made his promotional debut at UFC Sacramento, taking on Brazilian Marcio Barosa in featherweight action.
Kuse entered a heavy underdog, with Barbosa having won five straight, including his UFC debut, which saw him pick up a Performance of the Night bonus. That had come in Winnipeg back in April, and “Ticoto” appeared eager to collect more bonus money when he stepped into the cage in Sacramento.
There was steady pressure from Barbosa who opened the fight as he moved forward and cut off the cage. As expected, Ryan Kuse shot for a takedown, but Barbosa easily shrugged it off. Kuse attempted two more takedowns after that, but Barbosa defended both with relative ease. Barbosa remained composed, reading everything Kuse was throwing at him while landing short combinations as he stalked his prey.
During one combination, Barbosa clipped Kuse on the top of the head with a short shot. Kuse immediately dropped, appearing dazed and confused. That scene prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight. It was an awkward stoppage, but Barbosa showed some serious power in his sophomore UFC outing.
Official Result: Marcio Barbosa def. Ryan Kuse by TKO (left hook), Round 1, 2:47
