Mizuki Inoue Shocks Jaqueline Amorim with Tactical
Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi — October 25, 2025
In the opening bout of UFC 321, Japan’s Mizuki Inoue (16-6) returned from a two-year layoff and delivered a stunning upset over Brazil’s Jaqueline Amorim (10-2), winning via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28). The strawweight clash was expected to be a grappling showcase for Amorim, but it was Inoue’s composure, reversals, and striking volume that stole the spotlight.
Round 1: Surviving the Storm
Amorim came out aggressive, scoring two takedowns and quickly transitioning to full mount. She threatened with a rear-naked choke and a knee bar, but Inoue stayed calm, reversed position, and landed ground strikes before the horn. The Brazilian’s early dominance was met with resistance and grit from the Japanese veteran.
Round 2: Momentum Shift
Inoue turned the tide in Round 2, tripping Amorim against the fence and gaining top control. Amorim continued to hunt for submissions, but Inoue defended well and outlanded her opponent with clean strikes from top position. The round ended with Inoue pressing the pace and Amorim visibly fatigued.
Round 3: Closing the Show
Amorim entered the final round desperate for a finish, but her exhaustion was evident. Inoue punished her in the clinch with knees and uppercuts, one of which dropped Amorim briefly. A clash of heads opened a cut near Inoue’s right eye, but she pushed through and ended the fight on top, sealing the win.
Inoue’s Return to Relevance
After a 25-month layoff due to a torn ACL, Mizuki Inoue’s performance was a reminder of her technical brilliance and resilience. She absorbed Amorim’s early grappling pressure and turned the fight into a striking and positional battle—one she controlled from Round 2 onward.
Amorim’s Hype Train Derailed
Amorim entered UFC 321 as a -440 favorite, riding a four-fight win streak with three submissions. But her inability to finish Inoue and her cardio collapse in Round 3 exposed vulnerabilities in her game. While her grappling remains elite, she’ll need to refine her striking and endurance to compete with top-tier strawweights.
What’s Next?
Inoue’s upset win puts her back on the map in the strawweight division.
Conclusion
Mizuki Inoue’s unanimous decision win over Jaqueline Amorim wasn’t just an upset—it was a tactical dismantling. In a division dominated by pace and precision, Inoue proved she still belongs among the elite.
