Career
Kikuno started his martial arts training with judo when he was in high school, and was able to take third place in the Kyushu 66 kg tournament and first in the Kagoshima Prefecture 66 kg tournament. After graduating from high school Kikuno took up Kyokushin Karate where he took first in the all Kyushu Tournament and a best 16 spot in the middle division of an All-Japan Tournament, Kikuno was trained under Hitoshi Kiyama. He joined Tsuyoshi Kohsaka’s A-Square Mobile Marketing Association team in 2004 and began his career in 2005.
Deep
Kikuno made his professional mixed martial arts debut in Japanese promotion DEEP"s Future King Tournament 2005 defeating Hitoki Tsuti via doctor stoppage and Masashi Takeda via knockout.
Dream
Kikuno defeated Dida via a flurry of punches, winning his DREAM debut. Ultimate Fighting Championship
Kikuno faced Quinn Mulhern on January 4, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 34.
In his second fight with the promotion, Kikuno faced Tony Ferguson on May 24, 2014 at UFC 173. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
Kikuno faced Sam Sicilia at UFC Fight Night 52 on September 20, 2014.
Kikuno faced Kevin Souza on March 21, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 62. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round. Kikuno faced Diego Brandão on September 27, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 75.
He lost the fight via technical knockout in the first round.
DEEP
DEEP Lightweight Championship (One time)
One successful title defense.
