Nikita Kulshin knocks out Junior Melo in first round at LFA

Nikita Kulshin knocked out Junior Melo in the opening moments of the first round at an LFA event, improving his undefeated record to 9-0. This marked Kulshin's sixth consecutive victory in LFA over three years, following four straight decision wins and one previous knockout in his promotional debut. The 26-year-old lightweight from North Ossetia, who has lived in the United States for four years and trains at Kill Cliff gym, called out the UFC in his post-fight interview, stating he is ready to compete on short notice. Melo's record dropped to 15-9-1 with the loss.