Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin (9-0 MMA), who served as Justin Gaethje's primary sparring partner for his upcoming fight with Ilia Topuria, has provided an inside look at the camp in Arvada, Colorado, situated at roughly 1,800–1,900 meters above sea level. Kulshin described Gaethje as hitting hard and moving well, with coach Wittman placing heavy emphasis on foot positioning rather than combinations. Gaethje's grappling work averaged two to three hours per week and focused on scrambles and cage work, with Kulshin noting that Gaethje drilled high kicks but without heavy emphasis. Kulshin also revealed that Gaethje lives alone during camp with a personal chef preparing meals, and that Wittman designed and sews the ONX gear brand himself, paying Kulshin more than the agreed amount.
Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin has offered a rare inside look at Justin Gaethje's training camp ahead of the lightweight champion's upcoming title defense against Ilia Topuria, revealing details about the preparation taking place in Arvada, Colorado, at an elevation of roughly 1,800 to 1,900 meters above sea level.
Gaethje, nicknamed "The Highlight," carries a 28-5 record into the fight as the reigning lightweight champion. The 37-year-old American trains out of Genesis Training Center and brings a formidable striking game, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 58 percent. According to Kulshin, who served as Gaethje's primary sparring partner throughout camp, the champion hits hard and moves well. Head coach Trevor Wittman placed a heavy focus on foot positioning rather than combination work, a detail that hints at a calculated, technical approach to the contest. Grappling sessions averaged two to three hours per week, centering on scrambles and cage work, with high kicks also drilled but not treated as a central weapon.
Kulshin also shared some personal details about camp life, noting that Gaethje stays alone during preparation with a personal chef handling his meals. He added that Wittman designs and sews the ONX gear brand himself and paid Kulshin above the originally agreed rate.
Waiting on the other side is Topuria, ranked number one pound-for-pound and second in the lightweight division. The 29-year-old Spaniard holds a 17-1 record and trains out of Climent Club. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, "El Matador" lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and supplements his striking with 1.96 takedown attempts per 15 minutes, making him a multi-dimensional threat.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's striking-heavy camp with emphasis on footwork suggests Wittman is preparing a disciplined, distance-management game plan
- Topuria's takedown and submission activity contrasts sharply with Gaethje's near-zero grappling output, making the ground game a critical variable
- The high-altitude training environment in Arvada could give Gaethje a meaningful conditioning edge come fight night
