Gaethje sparring partner reveals upward-cut uppercut and deep slip tactics that dismantled Topuria

Nikita Kulshyn, a primary sparring partner for Justin Gaethje in his camp against Illia Topuria, suffered the same eye cut during preparation that Topuria received in round one — both caused by Gaethje's uniquely slicing uppercuts. Kulshyn explained that Gaethje deliberately employed deep, unconventional slips to his right because the team identified that Topuria rarely throws high kicks, allowing Gaethje to take risks with his head position that would be dangerous against other opponents. The tactical blueprint, credited to trainer Trevor Wittman, included a fake single-leg takedown entry that transitioned directly into the uppercut — a combination drilled approximately 20 times in camp.