"Kid" Yamamoto returns at UFC 130 against Chris Cariaso

Former K-1 Heroes champion, “Kid” Yamamoto will have the chance try to and make good on his second impression with the UFC when he takes on Chris Cariaso this May.

In his first bout with the juggernaut mixed martial arts promotion, Yamamoto was defeated in somewhat of an upset when the smaller, yet faster, Demetrious “Might Mouse” Johnson took home a dominating decision win over the Japanese legend last February for “UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort”.

Yamamoto, a talented collegiate wrestler, was thrown off by Johnson’s takedowns and was unable to find momentum in the bout. Hoping to utilize more of his wrestling pedigree, “Kid” will have the chance to do just that when he takes on Cariaso in one of the larger pay-per-view events of the year.

“UFC 130: Edgar vs. Maynard III” will pit the highly anticipated rubber match with champ Frankie Edgar against rival Gray Maynard in the main event of the evening, while former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will be taking on “The Ultimate Fighter” veteran Matt Hamill. Additionally, former heavyweight champion Frank Mir will be taking on former IFL titleholder Roy Nelson–so needless to say, lots of people will be tuning in to see this particular card, which takes place on May 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

One of the most herladed fighters to come out of Japan in many years, Yamamoto’s style is very fan friendly, as is his opponent Cariaso’s, which he demonstrated in his last bout with the wily Will Campuzano.

At the special “Fight for the Troops 2″ event in Fort Hood in Killeen Texas this past January, both 135-pounder’s stepped in the center of the cage and slugged it out for the full fifteen minutes, where in the end Chris was able to pick up the well deserved decision win.

The bout should come as a good test for “Kid” who hopes to launch himself back at the top of the weight-class with a potential victory here. Expect some vintage Yamamoto jumping knees and devastating right hooks to come into play.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the bout? Those who are familiar with the Japanese striker know of his potential, and hopefully with a win here, he can vaunt himself back to the top. Sound off in the comment section below.