Sam Hughes defeats the debuting Jaqueline Amorim ending her undefeated streak via unanimous decision at UFC 287.
Before the Fight
Sam Hughes
Competing in the UFC since 2020. UFC 287 could be make or break for Sam Hughes. 7-5 As a professional she always poses a tough challenge every time she fights. Not setting the world alight as of yet Hughes is 2-4 through six in the UFC so far.
Despite picking up back-to-back victories Hughes sees herself 2-3 in her last five. The last time out saw Hughes on the losing side of a unanimous decision against Piera Rodriguez.
Jaqueline Amorim
Making her UFC debut at UFC 287. Amorim comes into the company with an unblemished 6-0 professional record. Untested on the big stage. Amorim has put together an impressive resume at just 27. Competing for and winning LFA strawweight gold the Brazillian brings a lot of hype with her.
Of her six wins, she has finished all six. Boasting one KO/TKO and five submissions to her name. An exciting prospect, Hughes poses an interesting threat, if she can prevail the future might look bright.
The Fight
Round 1
A cautious start sees both women weigh up their options. After only one minute on the feet Amorim attempts and secures her first takedown. Looking to work a submission, Hughes defends well and gets back to a vertical base. It doesn’t take long for Amorim to regain ground control.
Looking to lock in an arm bar, the defence of Hughes holds strong. Converting her arm attack to the neck, which Sam keeps at bay several times. Jaqueline ends the round in control.
Round 2
Straight off of the bat, Amorim attempts to pull guard. This is the first second round of her career. On the second attempt, Jaqueline gets the fight down and controls from full guard. The ref stands the fight back up after some inactivity on the mat.
Around the halfway point Amorim is showing signs of fatigue, and Hughes is looking to take advantage. Hughes gets back on top and chips away with short sharp shots to the head of Jaqueline. Amorim looks to secure a knee bar but to no avail. Hughes seems to be taking over.
Round 3
Quickly into the third, the fight once again hits the mat. A shot from Amorim is met by a Sam Hughes head kick. Hughes once again finds top control and begins to rain down heavy blows.
With around one minute on the clock, it’s all Hughes this far in round three. The fight gets stood up, but a laboured Amorim looks tired as Hughes takes advantage. Sam Hughes ends the fight swinging bombs.
How impressive was Sam Hughes at UFC 287?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
