Russian lightweight Nikita Kulishin, who served as a primary sparring partner for Justin Gaethje ahead of his fight with Ilia Topuria, has given a detailed account of life inside the camp in Arvada, Colorado. Kulishin noted that Gaethje moves well and breathes easily despite the gym sitting at roughly 1,800–1,900 meters above sea level, and that coach Trevor Wittman emphasizes foot positioning over set combinations. Gaethje devoted two to three hours per week to wrestling work and regularly trained high kicks, though without heavy emphasis, while a nutritionist-chef prepared all meals during camp. Kulishin also revealed that Wittman designed and personally sews the ONX equipment brand, and that he was paid more than agreed — with Wittman adding an extra personal check on top of the negotiated fee.
Russian lightweight Nikita Kulishin has offered a rare window into Justin Gaethje's training camp in Arvada, Colorado, describing in detail the preparation underway ahead of Gaethje's lightweight title defense against Ilia Topuria.
Kulishin, who served as a primary sparring partner throughout camp, noted that Gaethje moves fluidly and breathes without apparent difficulty despite the gym sitting at roughly 1,800 to 1,900 meters above sea level. He described coach Trevor Wittman's approach as fundamentals-first, with an emphasis on foot positioning rather than drilling set combinations. Gaethje dedicated two to three hours per week specifically to wrestling, and high kicks featured regularly in his preparation, though without heavy emphasis. A nutritionist-chef handled all meals during the camp. Kulishin also revealed that Wittman personally designs and sews the ONX equipment brand used in the gym, and that Wittman added a personal check on top of the agreed sparring fee once camp concluded.
Gaethje, 37, carries a 28-5 record and currently holds the lightweight championship. The Arizona native trains out of Genesis Training Center and stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach. His output has long been among the division's most punishing, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
His opponent, Ilia Topuria, comes in ranked second in the lightweight division and first pound-for-pound. The 29-year-old Spaniard holds a 17-1 record and competes out of Climent Club. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, Topuria lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, complemented by 1.1 submission attempts in the same window.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's altitude acclimatization and detailed nutritional structure suggest a highly organized, well-funded camp for a championship fight
- Wittman's focus on footwork over combinations could signal a tactical adjustment for facing Topuria's pressure and finishing ability
- The wrestling time logged, however limited, is notable given Topuria's active grappling output at nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes
