Nikita Kulshin knocks out Junior Melo in first round at LFA 231

Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin improved his undefeated record to 9-0 with a first-round knockout victory over Junior Melo at LFA 231. This marked Kulshin's sixth consecutive win in the LFA promotion over three years, following four straight decision victories and one knockout in his debut. The 26-year-old fighter from North Ossetia, who has lived in the United States for four years and trains at Kill Cliff gym, called out the UFC in his post-fight interview, stating he is ready to fight on short notice. Melo's record dropped to 15-9-1 with the loss.