Yamamoto comes from a wrestler-family as his father Ikuei Yamamoto represented Japan at the 1972 Olympic games in Munich and his sisters Miyu and Seiko have both gained world championships in freestyle wrestling (Miyu is the ex-wife of former Shootoheavyweight champion Enson Inoue) the man responsible for convincing Yamamoto to compete in mixed martial arts. Norifumi wrestled during his high school years in the United States and trained briefly under Choi Mu Bae.Wrestling at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Arizona, Yamamoto achieved great success in his exploits, capturing three state championships in four years, along with a third place finish as a freshman.

Perhaps most impressive about Yamamoto's career is that he has fought many fights in the Lightweight (155 lbs.) division, despite the fact that he is a natural Featherweight (145 lbs.).

An Exceptional 7 MMA Fight Collection

All Complete MMA Fights Include Ring Walks & Post Fights Interviews

Excellent Interactive Motion Menus on DVDs

All on Premium Professionally Labeled DVDs