In a thrilling showdown at RIZIN 50 held on March 30, 2025, at the Marugame Arena Kagawa, Naoki Inoue successfully defended his bantamweight title against Yuki Motoya in a closely contested match that ended with a 2-1 split decision. The bout, which consisted of three intense rounds, showcased both fighters' skills and determination, with Inoue emerging victorious despite facing significant challenges throughout the fight.
The match marked a significant rematch, as Inoue and Motoya had previously faced off approximately four and a half years ago in RIZIN. The anticipation was palpable as the two fighters stepped into the octagon, both aware of the stakes involved. Inoue, the reigning champion from Kill Cliff FC, faced Motoya, a seasoned competitor from American Top Team, who was eager to claim the title.
From the outset, Inoue established his presence by applying pressure on Motoya, utilizing sharp jabs and front kicks to keep his opponent at bay. Inoue’s strategy involved cornering Motoya and unleashing a series of jabs and low kicks, while Motoya attempted to counter with his own strikes and evasive maneuvers. The first round saw both fighters trading blows, with Inoue landing a significant right knee strike that momentarily stunned Motoya.
As the fight progressed into the second round, Inoue continued to dictate the pace, landing precise strikes while avoiding Motoya's attempts to grapple. Motoya, however, showcased his resilience, responding with a left hook and a series of kicks aimed at Inoue’s legs. The exchanges were fierce, and the crowd erupted with excitement as both fighters displayed their combat prowess.
By the third round, the intensity reached its peak. Motoya, sensing the urgency, ramped up his aggression, landing powerful punches that visibly affected Inoue. The champion's right eye became swollen, impairing his vision, a fact he later acknowledged in the post-fight interview. Despite this setback, Inoue managed to maintain his composure and continued to fight back, demonstrating his championship mettle.
In a pivotal moment during the final round, Motoya executed a takedown, bringing Inoue to the ground. The grappling exchange was intense, with both fighters vying for dominance. Motoya attempted to secure a guillotine choke, but Inoue's quick reflexes allowed him to escape and return to his feet. The final moments of the bout saw Motoya unleashing a flurry of punches, desperately seeking a finish as the clock ticked down.
When the final bell rang, both fighters were visibly exhausted, having left everything in the cage. The judges' decision was eagerly awaited, and the announcement of a 2-1 split decision in favor of Inoue was met with a mix of cheers and gasps from the audience. Inoue successfully defended his title, but the victory did not come without a price.
Post-fight, Inoue expressed his mixed feelings about the match. "I’m sorry for putting on such a lackluster performance. As you can see, I couldn't see well after getting hit, and it affected my game plan. I want to become a fighter who can secure a KO or submission finish in my next bouts," he stated, reflecting on the challenges he faced during the fight.
Inoue's journey to the title had been marked by determination and skill. He claimed the bantamweight championship in September 2024 at RIZIN 48, where he defeated Kim Soo-chul with a first-round TKO. This latest title defense against Motoya further solidifies his status as a formidable champion in the bantamweight division.
Motoya, despite the loss, demonstrated his caliber as a top contender. Having earned his shot at the title by defeating Akimoto Takehiro in a previous match, he proved that he is a fighter to watch in the future. The rivalry between Inoue and Motoya has reignited interest in the bantamweight division, and fans are eager to see how both fighters will evolve following this intense encounter.
As the dust settles from RIZIN 50, Inoue's next steps remain uncertain, but his commitment to improving and delivering more decisive victories is clear. The bantamweight division is heating up, and with challengers like Motoya in the mix, fans can expect more thrilling matchups in the near future.
