Evinger decision overturned, remains Invicta FC champion

On November 18, the Invicta FC 20 main event ended with a stunning upset -Tonya Evinger tapped to an armbar from challenger Yana Kunitskaya at 1:59 of the first, live on UFC Fight Pass. Unfortunately, there was a refereeing error.

Evinger attempted to escape by stepping on her opponent’s face. While a stomp in his scenario is illegal, a step is legal. Unfortunately, referee Mike England told Evinger to adjust, and in the process she was forced to tap.

Evinger appealed the decision with the Missouri Office of Athletics. Now ‘Triple Threat’ reports that her appeal was accepted, the fight was called a No Contest, and she remains champion.

History was made today!! Our sport has grown beyond what could have been imagined in such a short time,” she wrote on her social network. “It’s truly amazing to witness the growth from a sport fueled by ego and ignorance to a sport that is now represented by professionals, from athletes to promoters to referees and state commissions. A sport that has matured enough to be able to change an outcome due to a mistake or misjudgment.

“Today I was informed by the Missouri athletic commission that my appeal was accepted and my last fight in KC Nov. 18 was overturned to a no contest. I will retain my world title and move forward awaiting the decisions for what’s next. Thanks to everyone for the support in this stressful situation, it’s a shame that it happened but I believe the sport has grown from this.”

Evinger’s news was confirmed by the Missouri commission.

“The Missouri Office of Athletics reviewed the video and audio along with a statement from the referee of the Tonya Evinger vs. Yana Kunitskaya contest at Invicta FC 20 on November 18, 2016,” the statement read. “The Missouri Office of Athletics determined the official result of this bout must be changed to a no contest. The MMA database has been notified, and should update the record within the next couple of days.”*

Invicta FC is taking appropriate steps, as ever, via their website.

“As a result, the 135-pound title remains around the waist of Evinger,” read a statement. “Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp added that the promotion is ‘working on scheduling a potential rematch’ of the bantamweight championship bout between Evinger and Kunitskaya as soon as possible.”

It is always bad when things go wrong, but it is never the less gratifying to see the right things happening afterward.

And as ever in the fight game, there is a winner, and a loser.

https://twitter.com/MMAdamMartin/status/804473988877611008

*The record has been updated.