Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin (9-0 MMA), Justin Gaethje's primary sparring partner for his upcoming fight with Ilia Topuria, has provided an extensive look inside the preparation camp. Kulshin described Gaethje training at altitude in Arvada, Colorado, working grappling roughly two to three hours per week, and throwing low kicks in sparring without full power — possibly due to a nagging injury. He also noted that Gaethje and coach Trevor Wittman paid him generously, with Wittman writing personal checks beyond the agreed amount, and that Topuria has acknowledged on a podcast that he still drills defense against the high kick after being dropped by it previously.
Justin Gaethje's main sparring partner has pulled back the curtain on the lightweight champion's preparation camp ahead of his upcoming clash with Ilia Topuria, offering one of the most detailed inside looks at a Gaethje training cycle in recent memory.
Nikita Kulshin, an undefeated Russian lightweight who carries a perfect 9-0 record, served as Gaethje's primary sparring partner for the camp and spoke at length about the conditions and work inside the gym. Kulshin described Gaethje training at altitude in Arvada, Colorado, with grappling sessions occupying roughly two to three hours per week. He also noted that Gaethje was throwing low kicks in sparring without full power, raising questions about whether a nagging injury may be a factor in the camp. Kulshin added that both Gaethje and longtime coach Trevor Wittman treated him generously, with Wittman reportedly writing personal checks beyond the originally agreed compensation.
Gaethje, 37, enters the fight as the reigning UFC lightweight champion with a record of 28-5. The Arizona-born fighter stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach and has built his reputation on relentless forward pressure and volume, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
His opponent, Ilia Topuria, holds a 17-1 record and is currently ranked second in the lightweight division as well as sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The 29-year-old Spaniard, known as "El Matador," stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute while also mixing in 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. Kulshin noted that Topuria himself acknowledged on a podcast that he continues to drill defense against the high kick, a weapon that has dropped him in the past.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's limited low-kick output in sparring could signal a physical concern entering one of the biggest fights of his career
- Topuria's self-reported focus on high-kick defense confirms the strike remains a central strategic element for both camps
- A win for Topuria would push him to 18-1 and solidify his status as the division's dominant force; a Gaethje victory would be a landmark result for the 37-year-old champion
