Stories of transformation and the lore behind the character often form the bedrock of a fighter’s legacy in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Meet Joshua Culibao, a fighter whose evolution from a hefty 220-pound frame to the hallowed grounds of the UFC is a fascinating account on its own.
As “Kuya” stands on the brink of an opportunity to get back in the win column, he is tasked with the assignment to take on Danny Silva at UFC Fight Night 239 this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Ahead of the match, here are five things you might not know about Culibao:
1. Filipino roots ignite his fighting spirit.
Culibao was the youngest of four siblings born in a Filipino household. His mother hailed from Boracay, a small island in the central Philippines, while his father is from Pampanga, a province in the Central Luzon region of the “Pearl of the Orient seas.” He earned his nickname, “Kuya,” at Sydney’s Igor MMA gym, where, according to reputation, familial bonds and Filipino traditions thrive.
2. He endured the mother of all weight cuts.
In his quest for fitness and self-improvement, the 29-year-old set on a remarkable journey that would lead him to the UFC. At the age of 15, he weighed a hefty 220 pounds and turned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu to shed extra weight during the football offseason. He quickly discovered the allure of the sport, and despite countless submissions suffered at the hands of more seasoned practitioners, he found himself inexorably drawn to the charm of mixed martial arts. Before he knew it, the pounds melted away. Within a year, Culibao’s dedication and perseverance caught the attention of his coach, who presented him with the opportunity to step inside the cage.
3. Heroes motivated him.
Culibao’s journey truly began when fate intervened at a seafood restaurant where he received a flyer that would alter the course of his life. He was inspired by the combat sports fervor instilled in him by his family, fueled by a love for martial arts icons like Bruce Lee. Hailing from Filipino roots, he was also inspired by Manny Pacquiao and the prospect of attaining financial stability and personal fulfillment.
4. He was more than a casual observer.
With time, Culibao’s passion for the sport grew exponentially. Growing up, the Igor MMA product was inspired by pioneers like Royce Gracie, Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes and B. J. Penn. He spent a considerable amount of time immersing himself in watching old tapes and studying the techniques of his idols. Witnessing the legends in action helped him envision a future for himself in the sport. Looking back at it now, the journey from fan to fighter was both surreal and inevitable. He also received the steadfast support of his family, who helped him realize his dreams of mixed martial arts success.
5. He mastered time crunches.
Before pursuing MMA, he had a full-time career as an electrician. Undeterred, Culibao refused to let his dreams of MMA glory fade into obscurity. He balanced grueling 40-plus-hour work weeks with rigorous training sessions, refusing to succumb to the pressures of fatigue or doubt.