Kulshin knocks out Melo in first round at LFA, calls out UFC

Lightweight Nikita Kulshin improved to 9-0 by knocking out Junior Melo early in the first round at an LFA event. The 26-year-old from North Ossetia has been living in the United States for four years and trains at Kill Cliff gym. This was his sixth consecutive victory in LFA over three years, with his previous four wins coming by decision and his LFA debut ending in knockout. After the fight, Kulshin took the microphone and called out the UFC, stating he is ready to compete on short notice at any time. Melo entered the bout with a 15-9-1 record.