Nikita Kulshin knocks out Junior Melo in first round at LFA event

Lightweight Nikita Kulshin improved to 9-0 with a first-round knockout of Junior Melo (15-9-1) at an LFA event. The 26-year-old from North Ossetia, Russia, 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 four of his previous five wins coming by decision. After the fight, Kulshin took the microphone and called out the UFC, declaring he is ready to fight on short notice at any time. The knockout represents a return to early finishes for Kulshin after a string of decision victories.