Nikita Kulshin knocks out Junior Melo in first round at LFA

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 fighter from North Ossetia has been living in the United States for four years and trains at Kill Cliff gym. This marked 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 called out the UFC in his post-fight interview, declaring he's ready to step in on short notice at any time. Melo's record dropped to 15-9-1 with the loss.