Sherdog Prospect Watch: Masayuki Kikuiri

At the end of September, the news broke that Bellator MMA had signed up-and-coming Japanese fighter Masayuki Kikuiri. A former King of Pancrase titleholder, Kikuiri features an 8-2-1 record, including five knockout or technical knockout stoppages and three decision victories. Bellator has yet to announce an official date for the 27-year-old’s promotional debut, but he is expected to join the 170-pound division.

The heavy-handed Kikuiri made his professional debut on April 23, 2017, when he smashed Hirotaka Uehara with punches at the 2:59 mark of the opening frame in their 155-pound affair at Pancrase 286. The Never Quit standout quickly dispatched Hiroshi Takahashi at Pancrase 291 before showcasing solid takedown defense in his clash with Yutaka Kobayashi, taking home a unanimous decision at Pancrase 293. Kikuiri scored a fourth straight victory after knocking out Shigeaki Kusayanagi at Pancrase 295.

YusukeKasuya (10-5-2) snaps a four-fight skid, steamrolling MasayukiKikuiri in just over a minute! The UFC vet has finished each of his wins, eight in round one, though this marks his first strike stoppage. #Pancrase304 pic.twitter.com/3IJ7O3vehN

— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) April 14, 2019

In his subsequent appearance, Kikuiri was matched with Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Yusuke Kasuya, losing to his more experienced adversary in 61 seconds. Kikuiri took part in a clash that ended in a split draw when he faced Yasuaki Kishimoto. Following that rare verdict, the 6-foot-tall Kikuiri moved to the 170-pound division. The decision proved to be a good one as he picked up four victories across five welterweight appearances. In his most recent assignments, Kikuiri defeated onetime World Extreme Cagefighting title challenger Hiromitsu Miura with a beautiful crescent kick followed by punches at Pancrase 322 and upended Akihiro Murayama on all scorecards to capture the interim championship. In May, Kikuiri was promoted to undisputed champion but never got a chance to defend the belt as he received the call from Bellator.