Tonya Evinger: 'I'm the Invicta FC Champion for a Reason' | MMAWeekly.com

There’s not much over the course of her 10-year career that current Invicta FC bantamweight champion Tonya Evinger hasn’t encountered. However, in her last match, against Colleen Schneider, Evinger went to a five round decision, marking the first time in she’s ever been the full 25 minutes in a fight.

Speaking to MMAWeekly.com, Evinger (18-6) discussed her win over Schneider, her upcoming title defense against Yana Kunitskaya, and what she believes can make 2017 her best year yet.

MMAWeekly.com: Firstly, Tonya, tell us about your win over Colleen Schneider and how it felt to go five rounds for the first time in your career.

Tonya Evinger: For that fight, I bet that she worked a crap-ton of getting up off the ground, and cage work, and all types of stuff. I remember being in the fight thinking that she was trying to make it hard for me, so I knew I could beat her anywhere, so I was just going to stand up, pick her apart, and she’d give me what I want. That’s what I did.

When I change modes and deiced to do something else in the fight, I think that’s where I ended up dragging it out longer than it should be. I don’t look for the knockout on my feet, I’m just in there winning fights and winning rounds, so that’s how I look at it. I train for five rounds. Obviously every one if my fights can go five rounds if the girl can handle it, so it’s not a big deal.

MMAWeekly.com: In these past couple fights you’ve had layoffs of eight months and six months. Do you prefer to have this much time off between fights or would you rather have the closer together?

Tonya Evinger: I would definitely rather have quick turnaround fights. I hate waiting so long. I get fat and out of shape. I go back to work, and with that comes the time I need to train, I just don’t have any there. I don’t train when I’m not fighting.

A lot of girls are able to train full time and stuff, but I’m not. I don’t step in the actual gym until I get a contract. I play the game a little different than everybody else. I’ve been doing it for a long time, and I’m at the point to where I don’t rely on having fights. So many fights have fallen through, so many fighters have fallen out, and I just don’t plan on it anymore, until I get a contract, until I get a call. I have to utilize my time smartly and just work. I’d love to fight every card or every other card.

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MMAWeekly.com: Talk to us about your upcoming 135-pound title defense at Invicta 20 on Nov. 18 in Kansas City, Missouri, against Yana Kunitskaya (9-2).

Tonya Evinger: I think it’s the same as any other fight I’ve had. I think that (Kunitskaya is) going to come in and try to do what she does or she’s going to try to keep me from doing what I do, and I don’t think any of it’s going to work. I’m the champion for a reason. I’m a really smart fighter. I’m real well-rounded. So at the end of the day it comes down to how I want to win the fight.

I’m going to push the pace until I get what I want, and I get that win. Whether it be one round or five rounds, I’m going to win every single round. Obviously I realize that every fight is different and every fighter has their own style, but I don’t plan on letting them use any of that on me. I plan on me beating them up.

MMAWeekly.com: Having been undefeated the last couple years, is there anything you can do to make next year better than 2016?

Tonya Evinger: I don’t know. I’d like to have more fights. With more fights I think you’re going to see me transform into a better fighter because I’m able to train a lot more and stay on top of the game. The only thing I can see happening in 2017 is just getting more fights; and if that means dropping to 125-pouds and trying to take that belt, f they gave me that opportunity, I would definitely take it.

I just think there’s a lot of fights down there for me. I think a lot of girls would fight me. I’d like to put myself in a position to get more opportunities. I’m willing to make that cut or change my lifestyle a little bit to make that happen.

MMAWeekly.com: Do you see 125-pounds as the key to finally getting into the UFC?

Tonya Evinger: I can’t say that it does. Obviously I think I’ve been kicking ass, and I still haven’t gotten that move to the UFC. With the look of it all, I’m not waiting for fights; I don’t hang my hat on fights. I’m not waiting for them to call, because they haven’t yet.

I’m on a nine-fight winning streak, and I haven’t even got a single offer. It’s one thing to be offered and to turn it down or take a different route, but that’s not even come my way. It’s not something I’m even waiting for. I’m going to take my opportunities where they’re at, and right now it’s definitely in Invicta. I’m going to stay here and fight and try to push for more fights.

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