Lightweight Nikita Kulshin (9-0) knocked out Junior Melo (15-9-1) early in the first round at an LFA event. This was Kulshin's sixth consecutive victory in LFA over three years, following four straight decision wins and one knockout in his LFA debut. After the fight, the 26-year-old from North Ossetia called out the UFC, stating he is ready to fight on short notice at any time. Kulshin has been living in the United States for four years and trains at Kill Cliff gym.
Nikita Kulshin kept his unbeaten record intact on Friday, stopping Junior Melo in the opening round at an LFA event to move to 9-0 as a professional.
The 26-year-old lightweight from North Ossetia has now won six consecutive fights under the LFA banner over a three-year stretch, a run that began with a knockout in his promotional debut before he reeled off four straight decision victories. The finish of Melo marks his second knockout in LFA competition and his most emphatic statement yet at the regional level. Kulshin has been based in the United States for four years and trains out of Kill Cliff gym.
Melo entered the contest carrying a record of 15-9-1, bringing considerable experience to the matchup, but the fight did not last long enough for that seasoning to become a factor.
Following the stoppage, Kulshin made his ambitions clear, calling out the UFC and declaring himself available to compete on short notice at any point.
Why it matters
- A perfect 9-0 record with six LFA wins over three years places Kulshin firmly in the conversation for a UFC developmental contract.
- His willingness to step in on short notice could accelerate that timeline, as UFC matchmakers frequently look to regional rosters to fill last-minute lightweight openings.
- The first-round finish over a veteran with 25 professional bouts adds meaningful quality to an otherwise untested résumé at the highest level.
