Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at women’s bantamweight Marion Reneau as she takes on talented grappler Alexis Dufresne at UFC 182. Marion “The Bruiser” Reneau Hometown: Tulare, California Age: 37 Height: 5’6” Weight Class: Women’s Bantamweight Camp: Elite Team Career Record: 4-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The California based school teacher holds a 4-1 record in MMA with all of her victories coming by stoppage. Her martial arts credentials include a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Strengths
- Volume striker
- Very power in her right hand
- Tends to be the aggressor in her bouts
- Decent ground and pound
- Brown Belt in BJJ
- Will work submissions on the ground
Weaknesses
- Oldest female competitor in the UFC at 37 years old
- Striking is reliant on athleticism as opposed to technique
- Chin is a major concern as she’s been clipped multiple times against subpar competition
- Level of competition is poor at best
- Too complacent in top control and can be swept/lose position with transitions
- Struggles as fight prolongs
- Conditioning a concern after round one
Matchup with Alexis Dufresne Alexis Dufresne welcomes fellow Californian Marion Reneau in the physical education teacher’s UFC debut. The 37 year old Reneau will look to keep the fight standing where she has an excellent right hand capable of dropping many fighters in the women’s bantamweight division. Reneau is a brown belt in BJJ, but will be at a real disadvantage against Dufresne who is a strong, talented grappler. Dufresne’s size should give Reneau problems and it shouldn’t be long before the fight hits the ground. Neither fighter has good cardio, so the fighter who is able to control the fight early on should be at a significant advantage. In all likelihood, that will be Dufresne. Expect the much younger Dufresne to dominate on the ground and sink in a submission to get her first UFC win. Dufresne took her UFC debut fight on short notice and came in overweight putting in a lackluster performance against Sarah Moras. Her fight with Reneau is also on short notice (4 weeks). Given that information, it’s difficult to trust your money on Dufresne. UFC Ceiling Marion Reneau is a physical education teacher whose dream it was to fight in the UFC. At 37 years old, she’s at the very end of her career and there is no upward trajectory available to her. She’s a pretty entertaining fighter with above average power for the division. In a grappling heavy division, it’s nice to see a different type of fighter, but this is possibly the only time we will see her in the Octagon as she’s likely to lose against Dufresne and may not get another shot with the UFC. Fight Film Check out Marion Reneau in some of her fights: Marion Reneau vs. Julia Avila
Marion Reneau vs. Chantalle Castellanos