Joshua Culibao (8-0) has the power in his hands to become an oceanic star with a debut win at UFC Auckland. “Kuya’s” fighting a short-notice bout for the first time ever weighing in at Lightweight (155 lbs.). The career 145’er rightly sees this as his opportunity to make a national name of himself. He faces long and tall Jalin “The Tarantula” Turner skyscraping at 6’3. Culibao faces a five and four-inch height and reach disadvantage respectively, but says he more than ready from the training partners he’s sparred, according to an ESPN article (here).
Culibao trains at Igor MMA in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. Though a small family outfit, he somehow finds kick boxing training partners who exceed Turner’s height and reach. Culibao has to deal with another level of speed and athleticism with Turner and the rest of the UFC ranks, but his spotless resume paints a Picasso!
Joshua Culibao totals five KO/TKO’s in his eight professional wins into the octagon this weekend; three finishes needed a single frame. He lost his first amateur fight but hasn’t looked back yet, winning eleven straight. “Kuya” aims to keep streaking in the biggest fight of his life to date, Saturday 2/22, at UFC Auckland!
Joshua “Kuya” Culibao | 8-0 | 6’1 145 lbs. | Age 25 | Reach 73” | Switch Stance | Fighting Out of Sydney, Australia
Fighter profile courtesy of Tapology.com > Joshua “Kuya” Culibao
Check out our highlights on fellow UFC Auckland fighters >
Dan Hooker > Here
