Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 2

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Norifumi Yamamoto
“Kid” Shooto (2001, 2002, 2003); Shogun (2001); Icon Sport (2003); K-1 (2004-07, 2009); Dream (2009, 2010); Ultimate Fighting Championship (2011-Current)
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CASE FOR: Yamamoto was K-1’s star Japanese MMA attraction for years as a member of a famous Olympic family with off-the-charts ability himself. Yamamoto was an excellent wrestler who destroyed opponents with strikes and earned a reputation as the best featherweight in the world. He was 17-1 at his peak and not just a great fighter but a star. CASE AGAINST: injuries sadly derailed Yamamoto’s career. A knee injury, in particular, limited his explosiveness and he no longer resembled the fighter he once was. Given that his greatest success came under the radar for North American fans, many perceive him as a victim of overhype rather than a great fighter done in by injuries. VERDICT: Should he go in? He was on that path, but unfortunately did not make it far enough.

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