After their bantamweight bout was postponed last month due to a positive COVID-19 test, Marion Reneau and Macy Chiasson finally got to throw down at UFC Vegas 22.
It was Reneau who had tested positive for COVID-19. But Chiasson had previously battled the disease, and also had minor heart surgery (an ablation) in the past year as well, leaving her on the shelf longer than anticipated. Reneau, meanwhile, entered the fight hoping to snap a three-fight skid.
Chiasson’s height and reach advantage was on display early Saturday, using her kicks to create space. Reneau was happy to answer back with a low kick or two of her own, while looking for a way in on the taller girl. She went high with a kick, then low with a second to the opposite side. Chiasson, despite that reach falling in her favor, struggled to land her jab; Reneau landed a right hand.
After another leg kick, Chiasson switched stances, signaling at least some level of success for Reneau’s kicking attack. Near the two minute mark, Reneau led with a right that landed clean, and followed it up, completing the combo before exiting. Chiasson fired a number of high kicks, all of which were blocked, as Reneau fought a particularly effective round. In the final minute, she ate a body kick, but finished the round with a body lock.
Clearly having regrouped between rounds, Chiasson came out swinging to start the second. She rocked Reneau, bloodying her nose in the process with a left hand. The pair then engaged in a clinch battle, with Chiasson having the edge as they pushed one another back and forth across the octagon. That battle would continue, but coming out of it, Chiasson tagged her opponent again. Reneau was under heavy fire, though she clipped Chiasson herself, and finished the round with a much needed takedown — though it would not be enough to steal the frame.
Round three saw Reneau immediately pursue a takedown, which Chiasson was able to fight off. While Chiasson remained upright, she had slowed on the feet. Reneau was still in it, and with two minutes or so remaining, she dragged Chiasson down. That takedown was big. Chiasson, however, would land a takedown of her own not long after, planting Reneau on her back. Chiasson would finish the round there, and it likely secured her the fight.
Official Result: Macy Chiasson def. Marion Reneau by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
