Nikita Kulshin scores first-round knockout at LFA 231

Russian lightweight Nikita Kulshin (9-0) knocked out Junior Melo (15-9-1) 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 Kulshin's sixth fight in LFA over three years, marking his sixth consecutive victory in the promotion. After winning his previous four LFA bouts by decision and his debut by knockout, Kulshin returned to his finishing ways. In his post-fight interview, Kulshin called out the UFC, stating he is ready to step in on short notice at any time.