Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto still gets asked about the time he knocked out an opponent in four seconds with a flying knee to the head.
He managed that feat shortly after the opening bell for his fight against Kazuyuki Miyata, a former Olympic wrestler who on that night was the unfortunate soul being kneed in the face, during Hero's 5 in 2006 at Yoyogi Gymnasium. It was the fastest knockout ever in a major MMA circuit.
"That was an amazing fight," Yamamoto (18-6, one no contest overall, 0-3 UFC) told The Japan Times over the phone from Los Angeles, where he's preparing for his bout against Roman Salazar (9-3, 0-1) at UFC 184 on Saturday (Sunday in Japan) at the Staples Center. The 37-year-old MMA legend is hoping to give his fans another amazing result to talk about as he makes his return to the sport following a three-year absence.