Josh “Kuya”Culibao

Josh Culibao is an Australian mixed martial artist and professional kickboxer currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was born on February 10, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia.

Culibao began his combat sports career with traditional karate at the age of eight and quickly progressed to kickboxing by his teenage years. He competed in various local competitions throughout his youth and went on to capture several titles in both disciplines before making his professional debut at just 19 years old.

In 2012, Culibao won a five-man Grand Prix tournament held by Fight Factor Pro MMA where he defeated three opponents on consecutive nights to become the organization’s lightweight champion. This victory earned him a spot in Australia’s AFC promotion after signing a multi-fight deal with them later that same year. Taking part in several high profile fights during this period saw him quickly rise up the ranks within their featherweight division before eventually becoming their Featherweight Champion after defeating long-time rival and former UFC fighter Steven Kennedy via unanimous decision.

After gaining considerable attention from rival promotions around the world, Culibao signed with top US promotion Bellator MMA for three fights starting late 2015 but unfortunately was forced out due to injury sustained early 2016 which hampered most of that year for him as he recovered from it . Undeterred however , Josh returned back to action early 2017 under new management & signed an exclusive contract with The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) , now competing under their banner .

Since then he has posted respectable performances such as quick stoppage wins over Yusuke Yachi & Damien Brown plus strong showings against fellow UFC veterans Charles Oliveira , Justin Gaethje & Dan Hooker amongst others . Still unbeaten since making his promotional debut back 2018 , Culibao stands firmly amongst some of best 155lb fighters today competiting inside world’s premier MMA organisation and looks set remain there for foreseeable future as continues grow into one sport’s brightest up coming stars; something many who have followed career closely since beginning have been expecting all along .