Former UFC, Shooto and Dream competitor Norifumi Yamamoto has died at age 41.
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.