Dana White and Joe Silva have had a longstanding interest in Japanese standout Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto, a former PRIDE fighter who was once regarded as the best featherweight in the world. At one point they tried to lure him to the WEC but after a rash of injuries he decided to stay in Japan. He's lost two of his last three fights since returning to action in 2009 after a seventeen month layoff but his most recent win--a 1:41 knockout of Federico Lopez--may be an indicator that he is getting back on track. At 33-years old Kid still has a few fights left in the tank and could make a great addition to the UFC's bantamweight or featherweight divisions. Reportedly the UFC is interested.
Re: UFC interested in Kid Yamamoto In somewhat related news, the UFC has signed Michihiro Omigawa and hopes to match him up against Chad Mendes in four-five months.
Re: UFC interested in Kid Yamamoto [update: DW "we did sign kid"] Dana White claims the UFC has signed Kid Yamamoto, more details to come. Yamamoto has fought stateside before, competing twice in Hawaii--once in a no-contest vs. Josh Thompson (Yamamoto was struck in the groin and unable to continue) and once vs. Jeff Curran (decision victory). No word on whether he'll stay at 145 or drop down to 135. I think I'd prefer to see him at bantamweight but he's going to have to test the waters first, I reckon.
Re: UFC interested in Kid Yamamoto [update: DW "we did sign kid"] Confirmed. He fights Mighty Mouse at UFC 126. He will be fighting at bantamweight.
