Nikita Kulshin improved his undefeated record to 9-0 with a first-round knockout victory over Junior Melo at an LFA event. The 26-year-old lightweight from North Ossetia has now won six consecutive fights in LFA over three years while living in the United States. After four straight decision victories in LFA, Kulshin returned to his knockout form, having also won his LFA debut by KO. In his post-fight interview, Kulshin called out the UFC, stating he is ready to step in on short notice at any time. Kulshin trains at Kill Cliff gym and has maintained his perfect professional record across nine fights.
Nikita Kulshin kept his perfect professional record intact on April 18, stopping Junior Melo by first-round knockout at an LFA event to push his unbeaten streak to nine fights.
The 26-year-old lightweight from North Ossetia, Russia, who trains out of Kill Cliff gym in the United States, has now won six straight bouts under the LFA banner over the course of three years. The finish was a notable return to his finishing ways — Kulshin had won his previous four LFA appearances by decision, but he also stopped his opponent in his LFA debut, and now bookends that run with another knockout.
Speaking in his post-fight interview, Kulshin made his ambitions clear, calling out the UFC and stating he is ready to step in on short notice at any point.
Why it matters
- An unbeaten 9-0 record with six consecutive LFA wins puts Kulshin firmly in the conversation for a UFC contract in the lightweight division.
- The return to knockout form after four straight decisions adds finishing ability back to his resume, strengthening his case as a complete lightweight prospect.
- His willingness to accept short-notice bookings could accelerate a UFC call-up, as the promotion regularly turns to proven LFA talent to fill late openings on cards.
