UFC on Fox: Is Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto Fighting for His Job?

Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto was one of the best fighters in Japan during his heyday, but unfortunately, hasn't found the same success since joining the UFC.

In December of 2007, Yamamoto won his 17th fight, a TKO over Rani Yahya, to bring his overall record to 17-1 [1 NC], with wins over Yahya, Bibiano Fernandes, Genki Sudo, Caol Uno, Royler Gracie and Jeff Curran.

Add to that the fact that he finished 14 of his opponents and his only loss came by the form of a cut, and you've got a formidable bantamweight on your hands.

Unfortunately, after the win over Yahya, Yamamoto was out for 17 months, and when he came back, he met current Bellator featherweight champion Joe Warren at DREAM 9 and lost a split decision.

For being out that long, it was considered a minor speed bump, until Yamamoto lost his next fight as well, to relative unknown Masanori Kanehara.

After that, he came back looking strong, as he knocked out Federico Lopez in under two minutes.

Then, he got his chance in the UFC.

In his debut fight at UFC 126, he lost a unanimous decision to eventual title contender Demetrious Johnson.

Since that fight, Yamamoto has not seen the inside of the Octagon.

He was supposed to fight at UFC 130, but was forced out with an injury.

Then he was supposed to fight at UFC 135, and then he got injured again.

Now that he's set to fight at UFC on Fox, could his UFC career be on the line?

A second loss wouldn't look good, and with all his injuries, you can be sure Dana is not going to give him the most slack of anyone, but unless he looks awful in his next fight, his job isn't on the line.

Not only does Yamamoto still have the tools to be one of the best in the world, but he is also one of the best Japanese fighters on the UFC roster, and international fighters tend to get a bit more leeway. 

Here's looking at you, Dan Hardy.

The UFC will go to Japan in February, and you can be sure that Yamamoto will be looking to fight on that card, win, lose or draw.

That would be the smart play, and you can be sure that Dana White and Joe Silva are aware of it.