Legacy Fighting Alliance is known for producing the next wave of UFC talent, and at LFA 217, lightweight prospect Nikita Kulshin extended his undefeated record to 8-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Bobby Lee. Fighting out of Kill Cliff FC, the 24-year-old continues to prove himself as one of the promotion’s most promising names.
Nikita Kulshin showing off the hands in round one #LFA217 pic.twitter.com/AVlADUcDpK
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 13, 2025
After his win, Kulshin reflected with MMA Sucka on his career, the grind behind the scenes, and where he sees himself one year from now.
Reporting note: Responses were provided via written Q&A with Nikita Kulshin in September 2025.
Staying Undefeated at LFA 217
Q: You’re now 8-0 as a professional — what does staying undefeated mean to you at this stage of your career?
Nikita Kulshin: “Being 8-0 is great, but for me it mostly means I have to work even harder, stay focused, and always be in shape. It’s like in a video game — the further you go, the tougher the opponents get. I know bigger challenges are ahead, so I will keep my concentration and push forward.”
Winning With Control at LFA 217
Q: Many of your wins have gone the distance. Do you see that as a reflection of your control and composure, or are you actively looking for more finishes?
Nikita Kulshin: “Every fighter wants the finish. For me, it’s about staying sharp throughout the whole fight and winning every moment. I try to impose my style — pressure, clean striking with my hands, legs, and knees, and mixing in grappling when needed. If the opportunity for a finish comes, I’ll take it, and I think as I keep growing, more of them will come. The key is always controlling the fight.”
Lessons From LFA 217
Q: Your last fight at LFA 217 against Bobby Lee went to a unanimous decision. Looking back, what did you take away from that performance?
Nikita Kulshin: “The fight was just yesterday, and it gave me a lot to adjust. My opponent was physically very strong and controlled the guard well. Every strike I landed shook him, and he actually pulled guard — I didn’t take him down myself. Overall, I’m satisfied with what I got from the fight. Thank God.”
A Game Still Growing After LFA 217
Q: You’ve shown you can win by knockout, submission, and decision. Which area of your game do you feel has evolved the most in the past year?
Nikita Kulshin: “I’m improving little by little in every aspect, but recently I’ve put more focus on grappling. I’ve also realized I need more feints in my game, and that’s something I’ll be working on moving forward.”
LFA 217’s Kulshin Handling Pressure as an Undefeated Prospect
Q: Being a young, undefeated fighter, how do you manage the pressure and expectations that come with protecting that record?
Nikita Kulshin: “I don’t really feel pressure about my record, but of course I want to keep that zero. For me, it’s all about training hard and giving my best in every session, so when fight night comes, I know I’ve done everything possible to earn the win.”
Growth at Kill Cliff
Q: Who are the key training partners or coaches that have had the biggest impact on your recent growth?
Nikita Kulshin: “We have a big team with many great coaches, and each of them adds something valuable. I work with all the guys in the gym, and I can honestly say I learn from everyone. You can even learn something from a child if you pay attention, so I try to notice the small details.”
LFA 217’s Nikita Kulshin Finding Motivation Beyond the Cage
Q: What motivates you outside of competition — what keeps you grounded during the grind of camp?
Nikita Kulshin: “My biggest motivation is my family. My past pushes me forward, my people support me, and I have the desire to beat this game. When it gets tough, I remind myself why I started — my family and my people back home.”
The Real Fight Is the Camp
Q: Fans often only see fight night. Can you share a moment from your last training camp that was especially meaningful or difficult?
Nikita Kulshin: “Fans usually see only one side of the coin — the fight itself. But for fighters, the real fight lasts the entire camp: small injuries, skin infections, weight cuts. Then there’s the financial side — balancing work and sport isn’t easy. It’s more of a mental challenge than a physical one, but overcoming it makes you stronger.”
Looking to the Future After LFA 217
Q: When you picture yourself a year from now, what do you want people to be saying about Nikita Kulshin?
Nikita Kulshin: “A year from now, I want to see myself on the UFC roster — as a young prospect proving himself on the big stage.”
For the Fans
Q: For fans who might be watching you for the first time, what do you hope they see in your style and spirit inside the cage?
Nikita Kulshin: “Just watch — you’ll understand everything yourself. Everyone sees a fight differently: some people study the details — the positioning, the transitions — while others just want to see a finish. Whatever their perspective, I hope they feel my spirit and my will to win.”
