Summary:

Headlining the UFC Fight Pass prelims is an excellent matchup of Bantamweight contenders as Marion Reneau takes on Ashlee Evans-Smith. Coming off a loss to now-champion Holly Holm, Marion will look to rebound back into contention. Also coming off a loss, Evans-Smith will look to establish herself in the division after a year out of the Octagon.

Despite their differences in age, this fight should be very competitive in regards to the skill & athleticism of each woman. In fact, I believe that Reneau should have a distinct speed advantage in regards to hand speed. Although Marion carries an underrated guard game with her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt, I suspect she will look to keep up her trend of striking for this matchup. Wielding one of the quickest and hardest jab-crosses in the division, Marion could create havoc for Ashlee should she reinstate her aggressive ways. Although we saw Reneau thrown off to the point of hesitancy in her last bout, she was in her defense, facing Holly Holm who has a movement that gives fits to most in the world.

Marion should have a footwork advantage in this matchup, particularly in the lateral movement department. Showing to consistently move and change angles, Reneau could make herself a hard target for wrestling shots while opening up counters of her own. Though Evans-Smith will be one of Marion’s most well-rounded opponents to date, Ashlee has shown to struggle when aggressively pressured standing. That being said, Ashlee’s fight-to-fight improvements will be this fights key intangibles given that she is a young fighter who has had time to improve.

Displaying said improvements, Ashlee has developed nice straight punches accompanied by hard Thai kicks on the feet. But make no mistake, on the ground abusing opposition in transition is where Evans-Smith makes her money. A ground fight is exactly what she will need to engage in to maximize her chances for victory. We have yet to see Reneau subjected to a competitive grappler or “grappling style” fight. Although Marion shows competent hip awareness in defending shots, it will be interesting to see her defend Ashlee’s attempts.

However, Evans-Smith’s takedown game is largely predicated off the fence. This means that in order to employ her game, she will need to effectively corral and contain the active Reneau. I have been a big fan of Evans-Smith since watching her compete in Tuff-N-Uff, but unless Ashlee can demonstrate different tools to safely close the distance, then I slightly favor the chances of Marion. Regardless of the odds, I assure you that this is a close match as I advocate extreme caution. Instead, enjoy what should be another fight of the night gem in the Fight Pass fold.

Official Pick: Reneau – Decision

Official Outcome: Evans-Smith – Decision.