Shutterstock
Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, a Japanese mixed martial arts superstar, passed away at age 41 on Tuesday. Yamamoto had announced nearly three weeks ago that he was hospitalized and being treated for cancer in Guam.
On Tuesday, Sept. 18, Yamamoto’s Krazy Bee gym confirmed his death on social media with a brief statement.
“To everyone who supported Yamamoto “Kid” Tokunaga Yamamoto KID Tokuhiki (41 years and 6 months of age) passed away today on September 18th,” the statement read, via the Independent. “To everyone who showed their support for him, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the fans. In addition, please refrain from interviewing the Yamamoto family, family members, friends etc, so that we can grieve.”
All of the information on Yamamoto’s passing can be seen below.
Kid Yamamoto Cause of Death: Cancer
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc9jREBF4MX/?hl=en&taken-by=kid_yamamoto
Yamamoto was born March 15, 1977 in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. On Aug. 21, The Japanese superstar took to social media to announce he was battling cancer. Three weeks later, on Tuesday, Sept. 18, it was confirmed that he lost his battle with his illness.
Yamamoto is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Who Is Kid Yamamoto?
Kid Yamamoto, who last competed in the UFC at UFC 184 on February 28, 2015, held a professional mixed martial arts record of 18-6 (2 NC). He was loved by fans for his aggressive style and competed a majority of his career at lightweight despite being a severely undersized fighter. Yamamoto competed in Shooto, K-1 HERO’s, DREAM, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship throughout his career.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn2nD_fBZvD/?taken-by=danawhite
