Inside Justin Gaethje's camp: sparring partner details training ahead of Topuria fight

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.