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That time Invicta FC 30's Helena Kolesnyk wanted opponent checked for rabies

When looking over Helena Kolesnyk’s record, two things immediately stand out. The first is that she’s only lost once in seven fights, and the other is a no-contest in which the result was “overturned by promoter.”

Even more than two years later, Kolesnyk (5-1), who meets Felicia Spencer (4-0) in a featherweight bout on tonight’s Invicta FC 30 card, has plenty of negative feelings about her bout with Malihe Younes at WBK 12. She originally lost by unanimous decision, but the result was overturned after foul play was discovered that ranged from underhanded tactics in the bout itself to questions around the referee.

“It was the worst fight I had to compete in,” Kolesnyk told MMAjunkie. “She should be checked for rabies. Throughout the fight, she poked my eyes with her fingers, and bit my neck and arms. The referee pretended not to see anything. After the bout, it turned out that the referee is her coach, which is very unprofessional and unfair. After this crazy girl, I had to treat my eyes for several months. Such fighters can’t take part in competition. She needs to check her psyche.”

The experience of the fight with Younes is not something Kolesnyk will forget any time soon, but she was able to move on from it. She won her next three fights, leading her to a contract with Invicta FC, where she debuted more than one year ago.

Kolesnyk had her first true setback upon entering the promotion. She suffered a first-round submission loss to Pam Sorenson at Invicta FC 24, and Kolesnyk said she gained a valuable lesson through that outcome.

“Before the fight with Pam, my opponent changed several times,” Kolesnyk said. “And at the last minute they choose her. Honestly, I admit, I underestimated her and relaxed for that fight. I will not allow that to happen anymore.”

More than 12 months later, Kolesnyk is back with a renewed focus. She made changes to her preparation with a move to American Top Team, and she said her showdown with Spencer at Invicta FC 30, which takes place at Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Mo. and streams on UFC Fight Pass, will mark the beginning of her title run at 145 pounds.

“This time around, I came to American Top Team in Florida,” Kolesnyk said. “I have a great coaches and cool teammates. I hope those factors will help me put on a spectacular show. … All my thoughts are on this fight. I hope to win, so I can get closer to title fight in Invicta. That’s my biggest dream.”

For more on Invicta FC 30, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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