The Japanese star’s longtime team, Krazy Bee released a statement confirming the fighter’s passing and requesting that the privacy of Yamamoto’s family be respected.
[Kid Yamamoto], who had been fighting cancer for a long time, has passed away on [Sept. 18],” the statement read. “To everyone concerned for support, 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 give consideration.”
RIP.... Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto pic.twitter.com/K8OJblm0ip
— Dana White (@danawhite) September 18, 2018
Last month, Yamamoto revealed on Instagram that he was battling cancer but did not offer further detail.
"Although it will be a personal report, I will do my best to treat cancer,” Yamamoto wrote then. “I am absolutely energetic and I strongly want to return, so please give me a warm support!”
“Kid” Yamamoto was regarded as one of MMA’s first lighter weight stars. He began to emerge following a victory in the K-1 HERO’s lightweight grand prix in 2005, defeating Genki Sudo via first-round TKO in the final. The Tokyo native was unbeaten in 14 straight bouts from 2002 to 2007, earning wins over the likes of Bibiano Fernandes, Rani Yahya, Caol Uno and Jeff Curran, among others. During that stretch, Yamamoto earned nine of his victories by KO or TKO.
Yamamoto debuted in the UFC in 2011, going winless in four appearances. He last competed at UFC 184 in February 2015, when his bout against Roman Salazar was declared a no contest due to an accidental eye poke.