Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin, who served as Justin Gaethje's primary sparring partner ahead of his upcoming fight with Ilia Topuria, has given a detailed account of the training camp in Arvada, Colorado. Kulshin noted that Gaethje moves and breathes well, practices grappling roughly two to three hours per week, and showed proficiency in scrambles. Head coach Trevor Wittman was described as consistently upbeat and hands-on, even designing and sewing his own ONX fight gear. Kulshin also confirmed Gaethje worked on high kicks during camp, though hard emphasis on them was limited.
Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin, who spent time inside Justin Gaethje's training camp in Arvada, Colorado ahead of UFC White House on June 14, has offered a firsthand look at how the lightweight champion is preparing for his clash with Ilia Topuria.
Gaethje, 37, carries a 28-5 record and currently holds the lightweight title. The Arizona native trains out of Genesis Training Center and brings one of the most prolific striking outputs in the division, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Kulshin described the champion as moving and breathing well throughout camp, and noted he showed sharp instincts in scrambles. Grappling work accounted for roughly two to three hours per week, and Gaethje also put time into high kicks, though heavy repetition of that weapon was kept in check. Head coach Trevor Wittman was characterized as consistently energetic and hands-on — reportedly even designing and sewing his own ONX fight gear.
Topuria enters the bout ranked second in the lightweight division and first in the pound-for-pound standings, carrying a 17-1 record at 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian operates out of an orthodox stance and stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and adds a grappling dimension with 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts over the same window.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's title is on the line against the sport's top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter
- Kulshin's account suggests deliberate but measured grappling preparation from the champion's side
- Topuria's combination of striking volume and takedown threat presents a layered stylistic challenge for Gaethje
- The camp details offer rare transparency into how Gaethje and Wittman are approaching one of the most anticipated lightweight title fights in recent memory
Sunday, June 14, 2026
