Japanese MMA Artist Norifumi Yamamoto Announces His Battle Against Cancer

“The battle of getting better is never ending.” – Antonio Brown

The sensational Japanese fighter Norifumi Yamamoto has been away from the cage for three years now. Despite his absence from MMA’s limelight, he is busy battling his biggest fight – against cancer.

The forerunner of lightweight classes took to Instagram to share his grief with his fans. Though the artist used his native language to declare his war against the disease, the post has been translated by multiple online media outlets.

The post doesn’t say much about the Japanese artist’s ailment. The type and degree of his disease are still unknown. This is what the Kid had to say,

“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!”
 

The renowned fighter from Japan didn’t face much luck in UFC as he was dispatched defeats at the hands of Demetrious Johnson, Vaugh Lee, and Darren Uyenoyama. Still the Japanese Kid is considered a phenomenal fighter to have fought in lightweight category.

Yamamoto started his career as a wrestler that nearly landed him a spot in Olympics, but the Kawasaki native made his mark in MMA where he was regarded as the best one-punch artist. During his peak years under K-1 Hero’s tutelage, the 41-year-old artist soon stood out as exceptionally talented with his unique thudding skill.

Since he put his foot in MMA’s realm in 2001, the fighter has faced off numerous powerhouses and showcased his biffing against artists like Genki Sudo, Rani Yahya, Caol Uno, Jeff Curran, Royler Gracie, Narantungalag Jadamba, Bibiano Fernandes and Kazukayi Miyata.

The legendary artist gave a new definition to lightweight classes. We at RDX Sports wish him a speedy recovery.