With both men coming off back-to-back losses, UFC 305 was a pivotal night for featherweights Josh Culibao and Ricardo Ramos.
Culibao had seen a three-fight win streak snapped by his current skid, while Ramos had just one win in four fights dating back to 2021.
The fight began with Ramos looking for long strikes like leg kicks and a flashing spinning kick to feel out the distance. Most of his kicks connected although Culibao was able to partially block a few. Both fighters were doing a great job of using their feet to evade strikes. Josha was able to land a solid calf kick 90 seconds into the fight that Ramos definitely felt. Ricardo began to walk forward with urgency and Culibao landed another leg kick that forced Ramos to limp. Culibao was able to secure a hail-marry takedown attempt and immediately moved to his opponent’s back with his arm on the neck. After working for a little bit Ramos was able to sink in the rear naked choke, Joshua was able to complete a miraculous submission escape not just once but two times. Ramos would ride out the remainder of the round on his opponent’s back.
To begin the second round Culibao went right back to the calf kick. Ramos landed a body kick and was able to quickly dart out of range of the counter. A minute into the round and Ramos checked another leg kick. Culibao began to throw more leg kicks before transitioning to punches upstairs that landed. Joshua was able to back Ramos up to the fence and went back to the calf kick. Ricardo folded over like a lawn chair as Culibao spammed kicks to the body of his grounded opponent. Culibao continued to circle and drop in shots when he could attempt land to the head of his opponent.
With 90 seconds left in the round Joshua let the ref return Ramos to his feet. Joshua began to stalk his opponent before mocking a missed strike with a pirouette seconds later. With 30 seconds left in the round Culibao took an eye poke that stopped the action for just a second. As the fight resumed Ramos thru long strikes attempting to protect his compromised leg. He was able to end the round without eating another big shot.
To start the final round Ramos caught a kick and backed up Culibao with some boxing. Joshua came right back trying to land his right hand and poked the body of Ricardo with a teep. Ramos kept looking to land boxing combinations but with his diminished mobility he had a tough time landing on an evading and feinting Culibao. Ramos looked for the clinch to land a few knees, but Joshua returned with short punches to the body. Midway thru the round and Ramos landed a couple punch combination to the head of a retreating Ramos. Ricardo began to show a bit of fatigue on is leg before eating a leg kick. With 90 seconds left in the round Ramos was able to leap onto the back of his opponent after he left it exposed after missing a strike. Ramos transitioned to Culibao’s guard with 30 seconds left in the fight and landed some labored short strikes as the final time expired.
When the scores were read, it was Ramos taking the fight with two judges, leaving Culibao in disbelief.
Official Result: Ricardo Ramos def. Josh Culibao by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
