MMA world in shock over legend's tragic death

The MMA world is in mourning after a legend of the sport, Kid Yamamoto, tragically passed away aged 41.

The legendary fighter sadly lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday (AEST), as announced by his gym in Tokyo, Krazybee.

In August of 2018, Yamamoto revealed on Instagram that he was battling the terrible disease, his condition clearly deteriorated incredibly quickly.

He was receiving treatment in Guam at the time of his death.

The Japanese star was considered one of the greatest lightweight fighters in history and in 2006 recorded the fastest knockout in MMA history with a brutal flying knee, just four seconds into his bout.

The 5-foot-3 pocket rocket enjoyed rock star-level fame in Japan, earning himself a number of huge endorsement deals.

He had amassed an incredible 17-1 professional record before he initially retired in 2007.

Yamamoto would return to the sport in 2009, but he was never the same, winning only one of his last seven fights.

He even tried his hand at the UFC in 2011, but went down in a points decision to future UFC legend Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson in his first fight in the organisation.

Tributes flooded social media as the tragic news of his death spread, with UFC president Dana White quick to share his thoughts.