The mixed martial arts world took a major blow to the heart this evening when it was announced that legendary Japanese fighter Kid Yamamoto had passed away at the age of 41.<\/p>\n
Back on August 26, 2018, “Kid” announced on social media that he was battling cancer.<\/a> <\/p>\n Sadly this evening, Norifumi Yamamoto’s gym – Krazybee in Tokyo, announced on social media that the mixed martial arts legend had passed away from the disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n Norifumi Yamamoto is widely considered to be one of the greatest lightweight fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. <\/p>\n Although he was naturally a bantamweight, most of Kid Yamamoto\u2018s significant bouts took place at lightweight.<\/p>\n Norifumi defeated opponents Royler Gracie, Caol Uno and finally Genki Sudo, all via stoppage, on route to winning the 2005 Hero\u2019s Lightweight Grand Prix.<\/p>\n The following year (2006) at May\u2019s Hero\u2019s 5 event in Tokyo, Kid Yamamoto scored the fastest knockout in mixed martial arts history when he smashed Kazuyuki Miyata with a flying knee just four seconds after the bell sounded to start the fight.<\/p>\n Here is how the MMA Community reacted to the tragic passing of MMA legend Kid Yamamoto. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He is impossible to understand by his UFC run alone.<\/p>\n — Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) September 18, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n