It has been over three years since the last time Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto competed in a professional MMA bout.
The Japanese MMA legend is now in the midst of the biggest battle of his life, as Yamamoto has been diagnosed with cancer.
An announcement was made by Yamamoto via Instagram:
Here is a translation of what Yamamoto wrote, provided by Google Translate:
“Although it will be a personal report, I will do my best to treat cancer. I am absolutely energetic and I strongly want to return, so please give me a warm support! Yamamoto KID Toshiaki”
Yamamoto did not specifically mention which form of cancer he was fighting, but did promise to beat the disease and return to fighting one day. Yamamoto was last seen in action at UFC 184, fighting Roman Salazar to a no contest after an accidental eye poke. Yamamoto did go 0-3-0-1NC during his four fight tenure with the UFC and could be seeing recently cornering various family members who have competed under the Rizin banner.
