UFC 126 Preview: Kid Yamamoto Makes His Debut, What To Know About Japanese Star

Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto has been a staple of the Japanese mixed martial arts community for quite some time.  He has developed into a cult-like figure thanks to his highly entertaining fighting style and unique personality.

This Saturday, at UFC 126, Yamamoto will make his UFC debut against Demetrious Johnson.  With the merging of the UFC and WEC, it has allowed smaller fighters to finally make some serious cash in the USA.

So who is Kid Yamamoto?  Why is he such a popular Japanese figure?  And most importantly, why should you watch his fight on Saturday?  Click through the slideshow to find out.

A Serious Wrestling Background

Yamamoto was born in Kanagawa, Japan but schooled in Arizona.  It was there that he began his climb toward the top of the wrestling ranks.

His father represented Japan in wrestling at the 1972 Olympic Games while his sisters both won world championships in freestyle wrestling.  Wrestling was in his blood.

While attending Marcos de Niza High School in Arizona, Yamamoto won three state championships, announcing himself as a serious contender in the wrestling world. 

Yamamoto would later attempt to qualify for the Japanese wrestling team for the 2008 Summer Olympics.  Unfortunately Yamamoto would suffer a dislocated right elbow and be forced to withdraw from the trials.

Always Challenging Himself

In today's world of mixed martial arts, fighters are constantly trying to be the biggest, strongest guy in their weight class.

But not Kid.

Yamamoto stands a mere 5'4," yet he routinely fought in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.  He has fought 5'9'' Genki Sudo, 5'7'' Caol Uno and 5'7'' Bibiano Fernandes.  He beat every single one of them.

Since the beginning, Yamamoto has been a legitimate bantamweight fighter but has instead fought at both 155 and 145. 

He only recently dropped to the the 135-pound division, which is where he will be fighting in the UFC.

A Striker at Heart

Yes, Yamamoto has world class wrestling skills.  Yes, he almost competed at the Olympic level.

But no, he is not a boring fighter.

In his 18 career wins, 13 have come via knockout.  Despite the wrestling credentials, Yamamoto just loves to bang.

Yamamoto has often used the Chuck Liddell style of fighting, where he uses his wrestling to keep the fight standing, and it has served him quite well. 

So if you happen to be watching the fights on Saturday night, don't take a bathroom break if Yamamoto happens to pop up on the screen.  You may miss something special.

He Was Once the Top 145-Pound Fighter In The World

Before Urijah Faber, Mike Thomas Brown and Jose Aldo, there was Kid Yamamoto.

Yamamoto was considered the king of the featherweight division, despite that being his walk-around weight.  He posted 14 consecutive victories from September 16th, 2002 until December 31st, 2007. 

During that time frame he dispatched Jeff Curran, Royler Gracie, Caol Uno, Genki Sudo, Bibiano Fernandes and Rani Yahya.  That's a very impressive list of opponents. 

Owner of the Fastest Knockout in MMA History

Four seconds.  F-O-U-R. 

That's all it took for Yamamoto to obliterate Kazuyuki Miyata at K-1 Hero's 5.

As soon as the bell sounded, Yamamoto sprinted across the cage and landed a picture perfect flying knee, knocking out Miyata.

It is officially the fastest knockout for any MMA fight under a major promotion. 

He Fights Demetrious Johnson This Saturday

Yamamoto comes into Saturday's bout against Demetrious Johnson with a whole slew of questions facing him.  Many people consider Yamamoto to be too old or simply past his prime. 

He wants to prove them wrong.  He can begin by defeating Johnson, an 8-1 fighter who has showed tremendous potential. 

The fight is slated for the unaired preliminary portion of the card, but Dana White has already announced that the fight will be streaming live over Facebook.  If you go and "Like" the UFC page, you will be able to see Demetrious Johnson vs. Kid Yamamoto at 8 p.m. ET.

You can bet I'll be watching that fight and I suggest you do the same.  Don't blink though, or it may be over.