Who is Ryan Kuse? The American featherweight known as “Third Street Savage” has built his career around pressure, aggression and a willingness to fight almost anywhere.
Kuse fights out of Miami, Florida, and trains with The Goat Shed Academy under head coach Asim Zaidi.
His background includes wrestling, striking and a long amateur career before turning professional.
However, what stands out most is his mindset.
Kuse does not want to be a specialist who wins one way. Instead, he wants to pressure, wrestle, strike and force opponents into uncomfortable exchanges.
That mentality has carried him through MMA, bare-knuckle MMA and Karate Combat while he continues chasing a UFC opportunity.
Ryan Kuse Fighter Information
| Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryan Kuse |
| Nickname | Third Street Savag |
| Born | June 24, 1994 |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Not publicly stated |
| Height | 5’9″ / 175 cm |
| Reach | 74″ / 188 cm |
| Weight Class | Featherweight |
| Record | 9-2 according to Tapology |
| Team | The Goat Shed Academy |
| Head Coach | Asim Zaidi |
| Foundation Style | Wrestling / Complete MMA |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| @thirdstreetsavage |
Who Is Ryan Kuse?
Ryan Kuse is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes around the featherweight division.
He is better known by the nickname “Third Street Savage.”
Kuse has competed across several promotions and rule sets.
His career includes traditional MMA, bare-knuckle MMA and Karate Combat.
Therefore, he has developed a reputation for being willing to test himself in almost any environment.
Where Is Ryan Kuse From?
Kuse fights out of Miami, Florida.
That connection is important to his fighting identity.
He has spoken openly about wanting big fights in Miami and believes he can draw a strong local crowd.
Kuse has even claimed that he regularly sells hundreds of tickets to his supporters when competing in the area.
As a result, Miami is more than simply the city listed next to his name.
It is part of his support base.
Why Is Ryan Kuse Called ‘Third Street Savage’?
Kuse competes under the nickname “Third Street Savage.”
The exact origin is not fully explained in the supplied material.
However, Kuse clearly embraces the “Savage” part of the identity.
His walkouts, interviews and fighting style all lean into aggression and showmanship.
After a Karate Combat victory, Kuse even joked that competing without being able to punch someone would not satisfy him.
For him, fighting is the attraction.
What Is Ryan Kuse Known For?
Kuse is known for:
- Pressure
- Wrestling
- Knockout power
- Aggressive striking
- Cage control
- Showmanship
- A willingness to compete under different rule sets
- A strong Miami fanbase
His professional record includes several knockout victories.
Meanwhile, his wrestling background gives him another route to control fights.
What Is Ryan Kuse’s Fighting Style?
Kuse describes himself as a complete MMA fighter.
He comes from a wrestling background.
However, his professional wins also include numerous knockouts.
Therefore, he likes mixing:
- Wrestling
- Takedowns
- Cage pressure
- Boxing
- Kicks
- Ground control
- Forward pressure
Kuse does not want to spend entire fights working in only one area.
Instead, he prefers forcing opponents to deal with everything.
Is Ryan Kuse a Wrestler?
Yes.
Kuse has openly described wrestling as an important part of his background.
In one interview, he explained that he views MMA as a complete sport rather than a striking contest.
Therefore, he expects takedowns, grappling and cage control to matter alongside punches and kicks.
That mindset shapes how he scores his own performances.
Is Ryan Kuse a Striker?
Yes.
Kuse’s record shows significant knockout ability.
He has multiple professional TKO victories, many of them coming from punches.
Meanwhile, Karate Combat has given him another platform to showcase his striking.
Kuse himself has said that he loves striking.
However, he still views MMA as his preferred complete sport.
How Many Knockout Wins Does Ryan Kuse Have?
Tapology lists Kuse with six professional knockout victories.
That number reflects his aggressive approach.
Kuse does not simply pressure for control.
He wants to hurt opponents.
His striking becomes especially dangerous when opponents are trapped near the cage or pit wall.
Has Ryan Kuse Won by Submission?
Sherdog lists a kimura victory over Jarod Grant in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA.
However, Tapology’s UFC-style summary provided here lists zero submissions.
Because the databases differ, the safest approach is to note the discrepancy.
What is clear is that Kuse has enough grappling experience to threaten opponents beyond striking exchanges.
Why Do Ryan Kuse’s Record Totals Differ Between Sources?
Public databases do not currently agree on every part of Kuse’s record.
Tapology lists him at 9-2.
Sherdog lists additional professional results that produce a different total.
This can happen when fights under unusual rule sets are categorized differently.
Kuse has competed in traditional MMA, bare-knuckle MMA and Karate Combat.
Therefore, different databases may classify those bouts differently.
What Is The Goat Shed Academy?
The Goat Shed Academy is the team Kuse represents in Miami.
The gym has become known for a loud, aggressive and highly competitive environment.
Kuse fits naturally into that culture.
He trains under Asim Zaidi, also known publicly as “President Awesome.”
The team became a major part of his identity as he continued pursuing bigger opportunities.
Who Is Ryan Kuse’s Coach?
Kuse’s head coach is Asim Zaidi.
Zaidi leads The Goat Shed Academy.
Kuse frequently represents the gym publicly and credits the environment as part of his development.
Moreover, The Goat Shed’s aggressive culture matches the mentality Kuse brings into fights.
Does Ryan Kuse Have a Wrestling Background?
Yes.
Kuse has repeatedly referenced his wrestling base.
He also competed extensively as an amateur before building his professional career.
That experience gave him comfort in scrambles, takedown attempts and cage exchanges.
Therefore, Kuse is rarely uncomfortable when opponents try to turn a fight into a physical wrestling battle.
How Much Amateur Experience Does Ryan Kuse Have?
Kuse has spoken about having roughly 11 amateur MMA fights before and alongside the early stages of his professional career.
That gave him more experience than many fighters who move quickly into the professional ranks.
By one point in his career, Kuse estimated that he had already accumulated more than 20 total MMA bouts between amateur and professional competition.
That background helped shape his confidence.
Did Ryan Kuse Compete at the IMMAF World Championships?
Yes.
Kuse competed at the 2019 IMMAF-WMMAA World Championships as an amateur.
That experience gave him international-level amateur competition before his professional career developed further.
Competing in an event like that also exposed him to different styles and opponents outside his normal regional circuit.
What Promotions Has Ryan Kuse Fought In?
Kuse has competed across several organizations, including:
- Titan FC
- Combate Global
- Fury FC
- LFA
- Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA
- Karate Combat
- Combat Night
That variety has given him experience across different stages and rule sets.
Instead of remaining tied to one promotion, Kuse has taken opportunities wherever they appear.
Did Ryan Kuse Fight in Titan FC?
Yes.
Titan FC became a major part of Kuse’s professional rise.
He earned several victories there, including stoppages over fighters such as Earnest Walls, Amir Kazemi, Rob Fuller and Jamal Johnson.
Those fights helped build his reputation as an aggressive finisher.
Did Ryan Kuse Fight in LFA?
Yes.
Kuse defeated Kevin Natividad by unanimous decision at LFA 220 in October 2025.
LFA has long served as a pathway toward the UFC.
Therefore, competing there gave Kuse another opportunity to put himself in front of UFC matchmakers.
Did Ryan Kuse Fight in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA?
Yes.
Kuse competed in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA against Jarod Grant.
He won by kimura in the first round according to Sherdog.
That result showed that even under a promotion strongly associated with striking and bare-knuckle action, Kuse could still rely on his grappling.
Does Ryan Kuse Fight in Karate Combat?
Yes.
Karate Combat became another important platform for Kuse.
He has competed there successfully and used the promotion to showcase his striking.
After one victory, Kuse described himself as 2-0 in Karate Combat with two knockouts.
He viewed the promotion as another place to create the kind of highlights that could get the UFC’s attention.
What Does Ryan Kuse Think About Karate Combat?
Kuse sees Karate Combat as a valuable platform.
He has pointed out that other fighters have used the promotion as a pathway toward the UFC.
Therefore, he views each appearance as another opportunity to make himself difficult for UFC decision-makers to ignore.
At the same time, Kuse still says he loves full MMA because it allows him to use his wrestling and grappling as well.
Why Does Ryan Kuse Keep Fighting in Different Promotions?
Because his larger goal remains the UFC.
Kuse is willing to take fights that create visibility.
Karate Combat gives him striking highlights.
LFA offers a traditional MMA pathway.
Bare-knuckle MMA gives him another stage.
For Kuse, the organization matters less than continuing to prove that he can fight.
Does Ryan Kuse Want to Join the UFC?
Yes.
Kuse has been extremely direct about that goal.
After a Karate Combat victory, he said the people he really wanted watching were UFC decision-makers such as Mick Maynard, Sean Shelby and Hunter Campbell.
He understands that knockouts and memorable performances attract attention.
Therefore, Kuse wants to become undeniable.
What Does Ryan Kuse Mean by Becoming ‘Undeniable’?
Kuse wants to remove excuses for overlooking him.
His idea is straightforward.
Keep winning.
Create knockouts.
Produce highlights.
Fight across multiple promotions.
Eventually, the UFC should have no reason to ignore him.
That mentality has pushed him to stay active even when the direct path to the promotion has not been simple.
Would Ryan Kuse Take a Short-Notice UFC Fight?
Yes.
Kuse has said he would accept short-notice Contender Series or UFC opportunities.
He does not appear interested in waiting for a perfect situation.
Instead, Kuse wants the chance to prove himself.
That willingness could become important because replacement opportunities often open unexpectedly.
Does Ryan Kuse Want Dana White’s Contender Series?
Yes.
Contender Series remains one of the pathways Kuse has mentioned.
He has said he would take a short-notice opportunity if one appeared.
For a fighter focused on knockouts and showmanship, the format fits his personality.
Kuse knows one memorable performance could change his career.
What Happened Between Ryan Kuse and Cameron Smotherman?
Kuse lost a split decision to Cameron Smotherman at Fury FC 89.
However, Kuse strongly disagreed with the result.
He believed he won through pressure, cage control, takedown attempts and complete MMA.
In his view, the fight should have been judged as more than a striking contest.
The loss became one of the most frustrating moments of his career.
Did Ryan Kuse Think He Beat Cameron Smotherman?
Yes.
Kuse was extremely confident that he had won.
He argued that his wrestling, pressure and cage control should have separated him in the judges’ eyes.
Furthermore, Kuse pointed out that one judge reportedly scored all three rounds in his favor.
Still, the official decision went against him.
Did Ryan Kuse Say He Was Robbed?
Kuse strongly criticized the decision.
However, he tried to separate his frustration with the judging from Smotherman personally.
He acknowledged that Smotherman fought his fight and received the official decision.
Kuse’s disagreement centered more on how the rounds were scored.
That distinction matters because he still wanted the rematch without pretending Smotherman had done anything wrong.
Why Did the Smotherman Loss Affect Ryan Kuse So Much?
Timing.
Kuse believed a win could have pushed him closer to the UFC.
Instead, the split decision added another loss to his record.
At the time, Kuse openly discussed getting older and feeling that his best opportunity needed to happen soon.
Therefore, the decision felt larger than one result.
It felt like lost momentum.
Does Ryan Kuse Want a Rematch With Cameron Smotherman?
Yes.
Kuse has repeatedly said he would accept the rematch.
He mentioned Contender Series.
He mentioned the UFC.
He even suggested doing it in Miami after previously fighting Smotherman in Texas.
That fight clearly remains personal from a competitive perspective.
Would Ryan Kuse Fight Cameron Smotherman in Miami?
Absolutely.
Kuse believes Miami would create a very different atmosphere.
He has a strong local following.
Moreover, he believes he could sell hundreds of tickets for the rematch.
For Kuse, bringing the fight home would also balance the fact that the first matchup happened closer to Smotherman’s territory.
Is Ryan Kuse a Showman?
Yes.
Kuse openly describes himself that way.
During one Fury FC event, he walked out wearing a ski mask and chains.
He explained that the idea was to create a gladiator-like presentation before the fight.
For Kuse, the entertainment starts before the opening bell.
He wants fans to remember the walkout, personality and fight.
Why Did Ryan Kuse Walk Out in Chains and a Ski Mask?
Showmanship.
Kuse wanted to create a visual.
He compared the idea to a gladiator being brought into an arena in chains.
Some fans did not appreciate it.
Kuse did not care.
In his view, he was there to put on a show.
That attitude reflects the “Third Street Savage” persona.
What Does Ryan Kuse Think Makes a Complete Fighter?
Using everything.
Kuse does not believe MMA should be judged as boxing with smaller gloves.
He values:
- Striking
- Wrestling
- Cage control
- Takedowns
- Grappling
- Pressure
- Damage
Therefore, he sees a fighter who can blend every phase as more complete than someone who only performs well in one area.
Does Ryan Kuse Like Pure Grappling?
Not as much as fighting.
Kuse has a strong grappling base.
However, he joked after a Karate Combat event that if he is competing, he wants to be able to punch someone.
For him, grappling alone does not offer the same appeal.
He enjoys actual fighting.
That answer may be one of the clearest explanations of his personality.
Why Does Ryan Kuse Love Fighting?
Because he genuinely enjoys the violence and competition.
Kuse does not talk about fighting like it is simply a job.
He repeatedly says that he loves it.
That is why he has moved between MMA, bare-knuckle MMA and Karate Combat.
The rules may change.
However, the central attraction remains the same.
He wants to fight.
What Does ‘Break Your Face Style’ Mean?
Tapology humorously lists Kuse’s foundation style as “Break Your Face Style.”
That is not a formal martial art.
However, it fits his public persona.
Kuse is a wrestler with aggressive striking and a strong desire to hurt opponents.
Therefore, the phrase appears to reflect his fighting personality rather than a technical martial arts classification.
What Is Ryan Kuse Like Outside the Cage?
Kuse presents himself as loud, confident and entertaining.
However, he has also described himself as a people person.
He understands that some fans may dislike his trash talk or walkouts initially.
Still, Kuse believes people will eventually respect him once they see his personality and fighting ability.
That confidence is central to how he markets himself.
Does Ryan Kuse Talk Trash?
Yes.
Kuse is comfortable talking.
However, he also understands that personality only matters if the fighting backs it up.
He has said that he believes he possesses the entire package.
The personality is there.
The show is there.
The fighting skills are there.
For Kuse, winning remains the final piece that makes everything work.
Does Ryan Kuse Have a Business Outside Fighting?
His Instagram publicly associates him with Dirty Boyz Waste Solutions.
That suggests Kuse has business interests outside competition.
However, the provided material does not explain his exact ownership role or day-to-day involvement.
Therefore, it is safest to say he is publicly associated with the business.
Why Does Ryan Kuse Stand Out?
Ryan Kuse stands out because he does not behave like someone waiting patiently for the perfect UFC pathway.
He keeps looking for another fight.
Titan FC gave him fights.
Combate Global gave him another stage.
Then came Fury FC.
LFA followed.
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA allowed him to fight under another rule set.
Karate Combat gave him a striking showcase.
Through all of it, Kuse has continued repeating the same message.
He wants the UFC.
His wrestling background gives him control.
Six knockout victories show the striking danger.
Meanwhile, his willingness to fight under different rules shows how little interest he has in staying comfortable.
Then there is the personality.
Kuse wears chains and a ski mask to the cage.
He talks.
He pressures.
He openly says he wants to hit people.
Most importantly, he understands that modern MMA requires attention as well as skill.
That is why “Third Street Savage” is not trying to quietly build a record and hope someone notices.
He is trying to make himself impossible to ignore.
Ryan Kuse Career Update
Kuse is listed by Tapology with a professional MMA record of 9-2 and is riding a two-fight MMA winning streak.
His record includes six knockout victories.
He has also competed successfully outside traditional MMA, including appearances in Karate Combat and Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA.
In 2025, Kuse defeated former UFC fighter Kevin Natividad by unanimous decision at LFA 220.
Then, in April 2026, he stopped Leandro Camargo by second-round TKO.
Kuse also remained active in Karate Combat during 2026 while continuing to openly pursue a UFC or Contender Series opportunity.
Ryan Kuse FAQs
Who is Ryan Kuse?
Ryan “Third Street Savage” Kuse is an American professional MMA fighter from Miami who has competed in LFA, Titan FC, Fury FC, Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA and Karate Combat.
What is Ryan Kuse’s nickname?
His nickname is “Third Street Savage.”
When was Ryan Kuse born?
Kuse was born on June 24, 1994.
Where is Ryan Kuse from?
He fights out of Miami, Florida, United States.
How tall is Ryan Kuse?
He is listed at 5-foot-9, or approximately 175 cm.
What is Ryan Kuse’s reach?
His listed reach is 74 inches, or approximately 188 cm.
What weight class does Ryan Kuse fight in?
Kuse is primarily listed at featherweight.
What stance does Ryan Kuse use?
He fights from an orthodox stance.
Where does Ryan Kuse train?
Kuse trains at The Goat Shed Academy in Miami.
Who is Ryan Kuse’s coach?
His listed head coach is Asim Zaidi.
What is Ryan Kuse’s fighting style?
Kuse combines wrestling, pressure, cage control and aggressive striking.
Does Ryan Kuse have a wrestling background?
Yes. Wrestling is one of the foundations of his MMA style.
How many knockout wins does Ryan Kuse have?
Tapology lists Kuse with six knockout victories.
Did Ryan Kuse fight at the IMMAF World Championships?
Yes. Kuse competed at the 2019 IMMAF-WMMAA World Championships as an amateur.
Did Ryan Kuse fight in LFA?
Yes. He defeated Kevin Natividad by unanimous decision at LFA 220.
Did Ryan Kuse fight in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA?
Yes. Sherdog lists Kuse as submitting Jarod Grant by kimura in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA.
Does Ryan Kuse fight in Karate Combat?
Yes. Kuse has competed successfully in Karate Combat and has used the promotion to showcase his striking.
Does Ryan Kuse want to join the UFC?
Yes. Kuse has repeatedly said reaching the UFC is his main goal.
Would Ryan Kuse take a short-notice UFC fight?
Yes. He has said he would accept short-notice UFC or Contender Series opportunities.
What happened between Ryan Kuse and Cameron Smotherman?
Kuse lost a split decision to Smotherman at Fury FC 89 and strongly disagreed with the judges’ decision.
Does Ryan Kuse want to fight Cameron Smotherman again?
Yes. Kuse has publicly called for a rematch in the UFC, on Contender Series or in Miami.
Is Ryan Kuse a showman?
Yes. Kuse has openly described himself as a showman and has used theatrical walkouts, including chains and a ski mask.
What does Ryan Kuse mean by ‘Break Your Face Style’?
It is a humorous Tapology listing rather than an official martial art. It reflects Kuse’s aggressive approach to fighting.
What is Ryan Kuse’s MMA record?
Tapology currently lists his professional MMA record at 9-2.
What is Ryan Kuse’s Instagram?
Ryan Kuse’s official Instagram account is @thirdstreetsavage.
