Gaethje's sparring partner details White House camp: training methods, diet, and Wittman's demeanor

Russian lightweight Nikita Kulchin, who served as Justin Gaethje's primary sparring partner ahead of the White House event, has offered a detailed account of the preparation camp in Arvada, Colorado. Kulchin described Gaethje as a compact, technically sound striker who works on wrestling two to three hours per week, focusing on scrambles and wall work rather than pure grappling. Head coach Trevor Wittman was praised for his consistently positive attitude and his emphasis on foot positioning over combination sequencing, and Kulchin noted that Wittman personally designs and sews the ONX equipment brand. Kulchin also revealed that Gaethje practiced low kicks during camp but held back from throwing them hard, which Kulchin linked to a possible injury, while high kicks were also drilled though without heavy emphasis.