Norifumi ‘Kid’ Yamamoto, who was one of Asia’s biggest MMA stars, has died at the age of 41, his gym has confirmed.
Just three weeks ago Yamamoto announced on Instagram that he was battling cancer. He was subsequently hospitalised and was receiving medical treatment in Guam at the time of his death.
His gym, Krazy Bee, announced his death on their social media channels along with a small statement requesting for privacy.
“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.
“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.”
Yamamoto competed in the Bantamweight division of the UFC, most memorably fighting former pound-for-pound king Demetrious Johnson in February 2011.
He was one of Asia’s biggest MMA stars, fighting for the Shooto, K1 and Dream promotions.
Yamamoto’s greatest success came in 2005, when he knocked out Royler Gracie en route to becoming the K-1 HERO's 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament champion.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
