Former UFC Fighter Emmanuel Yarborough Passes Away

Emmanuel Yarborough, who fought in the early days of the UFC, has passed away. The UFC confirmed with MMAjunkie that Yarborough died in Richmond, Virginia at the age of fifty-one.

Yarborough was a sumo wrestler who was listed at 616 to 618 points when he fought Keith Hackney at UFC 3. He finished in second place at the 1992 World Sumo Championships and was a Division I All-American wrestler at Morgan State University. He also founght in PRIDE before retiring in 1998 and acted, most memorable in a recurring role on Oz.

Yarborough’s manager Beatrice Davis said in a statement, “Even though it was not an easy task for him, it never stopped him from following his dreams, and bringing smiles to the faces of all he would meet. He was to be the subject of a new reality show, and would have continued to bring smiles to all those who had the opportunity to be blessed by his infectious, compassionate, loving presence. He will be missed by his millions of fans around the world, friends and family.”

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Yarborough.