At age 40, Marion Reneau is closer to to a UFC title fight than she's ever been. In the interim, she's going to have to settle for former title challenger Cat Zingano.
Reneau has went unbeaten in her last four fights in the UFC, and even before that, her last loss was a controversial split decision to Ashlee-Evans Smith. However, thus far, Amanda Nunes has eluded Reneau in a division that is finally developing contenders. When speaking to Fightful.com's James Lynch, Reneau said that Cat Zingano was simply the only sensible option ahead of her.
"I'm taking what they're giving me only because there's nothing else available. Ketlen (Viera) at the time was injured, and the other girls had things booked, and I don't know what's going on with Germaine. It was the only thing available or I'd have to wait until the end of the year, and I want to stay active," said Reneau.
The UFC's 135 pound division has seen a lot of stop and start. Pregnancies, fighters dropping to 125, jumping to 145 pounds, injuries, absences and other hiccup shave only allowed Reneau and Viera to emerge as top contenders. Reneau is well aware of the issues facing her division, and wants it to get some clarity.
"I'm at a point where I want to fight for the title. I'm knocking them down as they come, because that's my goal. It's frustrating when people from the top ten drop and there's nobody available. Julianna Pena just had a baby, Holly Holm was fighting at 145, me and Sara were booked, but we don't know what's going on with Germaine. Can we get it back on track? I think we can," said Reneau.
Marion Reneau (9-3-1) discusses her upcoming fight against Cat Zingano (9-3) at UFC Fight Night 133 on July 14.
