Inside Justin Gaethje's Training Camp: Sparring Partner Reveals Camp Details Ahead of Topuria Fight

Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin (9-0 MMA), who served as a primary sparring partner for Justin Gaethje ahead of his bout with Ilia Topuria, has provided a detailed account of life inside the camp in Arvada, Colorado. Kulshin described Gaethje as a technically sharp striker who was drilling high kicks and was careful with low kicks in sparring, likely managing an existing injury, and noted that the camp included roughly two to three hours of wrestling-focused work per week. Coach Trevor Wittman was praised for his footwork-oriented coaching philosophy and his habit of designing and sewing his own ONX fight gear. Kulshin also confirmed that Gaethje paid him more than originally agreed, with Wittman personally writing additional checks for his sparring contributions.