Lightweight Nikita Kulshin improved his record to 9-0 by knocking out Junior Melo in the first round at an LFA event. This marks Kulshin's sixth consecutive victory in LFA over three years, with his previous four wins coming by decision and one earlier knockout. The 26-year-old fighter from North Ossetia has been living in the United States for four years and trains at Kill Cliff gym. After the victory, Kulshin took the microphone and called out the UFC, declaring he is ready to step in on short notice at any time.
Nikita Kulshin kept his perfect professional record intact on Friday, stopping Junior Melo by first-round knockout at an LFA event and immediately making clear he has bigger ambitions than the regional circuit.
The 26-year-old lightweight from North Ossetia, Russia, now stands at 9-0 and has been one of LFA's most consistent performers in the division over the past three years, running off six straight victories inside the promotion. His finishing streak has been building steadily — four of those LFA wins came by decision before an earlier knockout, and now this latest stoppage adds fresh momentum to his case for a step up in competition. Kulshin has been based in the United States for four years and trains out of Kill Cliff gym.
With the crowd still buzzing after the finish, Kulshin grabbed the microphone and made his intentions plain, calling out the UFC directly and stating he is available to step in on short notice whenever the call comes.
Why it matters
- A 9-0 record with a string of LFA wins puts Kulshin firmly in the conversation for a UFC developmental contract or short-notice debut.
- His willingness to accept short-notice bouts signals confidence and could appeal to matchmakers looking to fill lightweight slots quickly.
- The lightweight division at 155 pounds remains one of the UFC's deepest, meaning any newcomer would face immediate scrutiny, but an unbeaten regional fighter with finishing ability is the profile the promotion has historically targeted.
