Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘Mir vs. Duffee’

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WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS

Holly Holm (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Marion Reneau (6-1, 2-0 UFC)

THE MATCHUP: Former boxer Holm draws the surging Reneau in an excellent bantamweight scrap. Holm, a native of Albuquerque, N.M., entered the UFC with top-notch striking credentials and a ton of hype behind her but underwhelmed in defeating Raquel Pennington in her debut. Reneau, conversely, has dominated Alexis Dufresne and Jessica Andrade in her first two fights. The winner will have a good shot at an elite opponent and potentially a title shot in a thin division.

Holm is a southpaw striker by trade, and a pretty good one, though she is probably not the killer the buzz has made her out to be. Her game revolves around a quick straight left, which she uses to move around her opponent’s guard and elicit head movement. Holm then fires off a left high kick as the opponent moves her head into the path of the kick. The New Mexican also utilizes a consistent barrage of side, round and hook kicks at range and, in general, works at a quick pace. She is not really a combination striker, however, and rarely moves her head off the centerline. Clinch fighting is another strong suit, as Holm’s size, strength and athleticism make her a handful on the inside, where she throws sharp knees and the occasional elbow. Her takedown defense has thus far proven to be solid, but her ground game is still a mystery.

Although she is 38 years old, Reneau is an awesome athlete with great speed, physicality and power. She has real pop in her hands, works behind a clean 1-2 and strong low kicks and has a slick counter right hand. She is hittable, however, and lacks a particularly deep game or much craft. A strong clinch fighter with vicious knees, she really shines on the mat. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion at purple belt, she has a lightning-fast triangle-armbar chain from her back and a strong passing game on top.

BETTING ODDS: Holm (-175), Reneau (+135)

THE PICK: Reneau will want this on the floor, but we really do not know much about her wrestling game at this point and Holm’s takedown defense has thus far been excellent. While Reneau’s power makes her dangerous in a striking matchup, Holm is far more crafty and experienced, and that should be the difference here. The pick is Holm by decision.

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