Gaethje's camp sparring partner reveals training details ahead of Topuria fight

Russian lightweight Nikita Kulchin (9-0 MMA), who served as Justin Gaethje's primary sparring partner for his upcoming bout with Ilia Topuria, provided an inside look at the camp. Gaethje trains at altitude in Arvada, Colorado at around 1,800–1,900 meters above sea level, and logs roughly two to three hours of wrestling work per week. Coach Trevor Wittman's coaching focus centers on foot positioning rather than set combinations, and Gaethje practiced low kicks during sparring though without full power, which Kulchin believes may be linked to a pre-existing injury. Kulchin also noted that Gaethje's home during camp is equipped with a safe containing multiple firearms, and that both Gaethje and Wittman were exceptionally generous hosts, with Kulchin paid more than originally agreed.