One Of The Best Japanese MMA Fighters Ever, Kid Yamamoto, Tragically Passed Away After Hard Battle With Cancer!
Norifumi Yamamoto, known for his nickname Kid Yamamoto, was one of the best Japanese mixed martial artists. He was the former UFC Bantamweight, Featherweight, and Lightweight MMA superstar. Norifumi tragically passed away after battling cancer at the age of 41.
Kid Yamamoto was a member of the Krazy Bee team. According to their Twitter, he died on September 18th. Norifumi announced his retirement from the world of MMA in August. He cited cancer as the reason.
山本KID徳郁を応援して下さった皆様へ
山本KID徳郁(享年41歳6ヶ月)が、本日9月18日に逝去致しました。生前に応援、ご支援をして頂きました関係各位、ファンの皆様に本人に変わり御礼申しげます。
尚、山本家、家族、友人への取材等はご遠慮頂き、ご配慮頂けますようお願い申し上げます。
KRAZYBEE— YSA / KRAZY BEE OFFICIAL (@KB_official) September 18, 2018
“Yamamoto Kid Age (41 years and 6 months) to everyone who supported the Yamamoto Kid Tak, I passed away on September 18, today.
I would like to thank all the fans who have supported and supported me during the lifetime.
In addition, please refrain from coverage to the Yamamoto family, a friend, etc., and thank you for your consideration. Krazybee”
Yamamoto defeated some real superstars inside the octagon – Genki Sudo, Caol Uno, and even Royler Gracie! He scored the fastest knockout at Hero 5 on May 3, 2006. Kid Yamamoto sent Kazuyuki Miyata to sleep after only 4 seconds via devastating flying knee! Norifumi was also the former Hero’s 2005 Lightweight champion of the world!
Unfortunately, he didn’t have much luck competing in the UFC. Starting in 2011, he lost three times and scored one no contest. He was defeated to Demetrious Johnson at UFC 126 on February 5, 2011, via unanimous decision. Then he lost to Darren Uyenoyama at UFC On Fox 1 via unanimous decision. Vaughan Lee submitted him with a tremendous armbar at UFC 144 on February 26, 2012. His last UFC fight versus Roman Salazar at UFC 184 on February 28, 2015, was scored as no contest. Salazar couldn’t continue after an accidental eye poke.
The MMA world has lost a real dedicated warrior. Many UFC celebrities and fighters are devastated by his death. Take a look at the reactions below.
RIP…. Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto 😞 pic.twitter.com/K8OJblm0ip
— danawhite (@danawhite) September 18, 2018
Rest In Peace ~ Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto
One of my all time favorite fighters. pic.twitter.com/85xaJendmQ
— Brandon Gibson (@SixGunGibson) September 18, 2018
Norifumi Yamamoto was a pillar of not merely Japanese MMA or the kakutogi boom, but for a moment in time, the elite of MMA itself. Athletic swagger oozing from every pore. Highlight reel machine. Aggressive and efficient.
He is impossible to understand by his UFC run alone.
— Luke Thomas🏋️♀️ (@lthomasnews) September 18, 2018
Remember that Dana White video blog back in the day where he was glowingly talking about Kid and wanting to sign him? Always stood out for me because it was rare for a non-UFC fighter to be showcased but just a small example as to how immensely respected and revered he was.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 18, 2018
A legend is forever. #RIPKID pic.twitter.com/CELmxLgA7O
— Chatri Sityodtong (@yodchatri) September 18, 2018
I followed his career from the early days of Shooto & Deep onto the #UFC. He will be greatly missed. I was a fan win or lose, his aggressive style was always a pleasure to see in the ring & cage. Much respect. RIP Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto – Oss! pic.twitter.com/wgzvRitkWU
— Will (@armoredfoe) September 18, 2018
The world lost a true warrior today – Rest In Peace “Kid” Yamamoto.
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) September 18, 2018
Kid Yamamoto was one of those legendary fighters you’d scramble to watch compete no matter what hour of the day or night he was competing. It’s a sad day as a great is gone far, far too soon. https://t.co/b8J3GyyUXx
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) September 18, 2018
Our hearts are with his family. Kid Yamamoto, rest in peace!
