Nikita Kulshin (9-0), a Russian lightweight who has worked as a sparring partner for Justin Gaethje, shared candid observations about life and training in the United States. Kulshin noted that 50 to 70 percent of fighters at his gym arrive to practice under the influence of cannabis, describing it as a cultural norm in American fight gyms. He also reflected on the stark differences in driving culture and driver licensing standards compared to Russia.
Unbeaten Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin has offered a candid look at his time training in the United States, including a stint working as a sparring partner for Justin Gaethje, sharing observations that ranged from gym culture to everyday life stateside.
Kulshin, who carries a perfect 9-0 professional record, made the remarks in a recent interview. The young Russian lightweight described what he characterized as a striking cultural norm inside American fight gyms, estimating that between 50 and 70 percent of fighters at his training facility arrive to practice having used cannabis. He framed this not as a criticism but as a reflection of how deeply embedded the habit is within certain corners of American combat sports culture. Kulshin also drew contrasts between driving culture and licensing standards in the United States versus Russia, painting a picture of an athlete adjusting to a country that operates quite differently from home.
The fighter he has been working alongside needs little introduction. Justin Gaethje, known as "The Highlight," is a 37-year-old American champion in the lightweight division fighting out of Genesis Training Center. The Arizona native carries a record of 28-5 and has built his reputation on relentless forward pressure and high-volume striking, averaging 6.48 significant strikes landed per minute with an impressive 58 percent striking accuracy. Those numbers place him among the most dangerous offensive fighters the 155-pound division has ever seen.
Why it matters
- Kulshin's access to a world-class champion provides rare developmental experience for the unbeaten Russian contender
- The cultural observations add an unusual personal dimension to a story that is otherwise centered on elite-level training
- Gaethje's continued activity in the gym signals he remains an active presence at the top of the lightweight division
