10 Major UFC Signings That Failed Miserably
5. Kid Yamamoto
Before the UFC had their 125lb, 135lb and 145lb divisions, the lower weight classes mostly competed in Japan or on the regional circuit in the US. This means that there was a whole generation of amazing fighters that fans didn't get to watch compete on the big stage during their primes. One of the best, yet saddest examples of this is bantamweight legend Norifumi Yamamoto, otherwise known as Kid Yamamoto.
During his early years, Yamamoto was a bit of anomaly for many mixed martial arts fans. Here was this extremely talented wrestler who everyone expected to take people down and smash them with ground and pound. Instead, he was smashing people in the face with his fists until the referee had no choice but to stop the fight.
When the UFC finally brought in those lower weight classes, they brought in Yamamoto and hardcore MMA fans rejoiced. However, he wasn't the fighter fans had watched grow up in promotions like K-1 Hero's or K-1 World Max. Three losses and one no-contest proved that he'd missed a step and persistent injuries made sure his UFC career never really got off the ground.