Helena Crevar has released a comprehensive public statement addressing the controversy surrounding her missed contracted weight and hydration testing at ONE Championship, responding to widespread criticism.
The bout was originally contracted at 145 lbs (66 kg) but complications tied to ONE FC’s mandatory hydration testing, combined with travel strain, physiological factors and an increasingly difficult weight cut, led to the contest being shifted to open weight. Crevar accepts full responsibility for choosing the division while strongly disputing exaggerated claims about the scale of the miss.
“I take full responsibility starting from choosing to go in at 145 thinking it will all go well as planned.”
“People are saying I missed weight by 24 pounds—that’s not true. The weight limit was 145 and I weighed 161. That’s 16 pounds.”
Crevar detailed the logistical and physical strain surrounding the event including a roughly 30 hour travel itinerary from Texas to Thailand, jet lag, water retention and menstrual symptoms, all of which compounded the difficulty of an already demanding cut.
She explained that upon arrival her weight rose due to travel and fluid retention. After initially weighing 151 lbs (69 kg) the morning before official weigh ins, she narrowly failed hydration. Because hydration failure would result in contest cancellation under ONE rules, Crevar made the decision to prioritize passing hydration even if it meant gaining weight.
“I realized I wouldn’t be able to cut to 145 while passing hydration, so I immediately informed ONE and the match was moved to open weight.”
To pass hydration, Crevar reported drinking the equivalent of 11 bottles of water in a short span, ultimately weighing in at 161 lbs (73 kg) once she finally cleared hydration requirements.
Tom DeBlass, ONE Championship’s Vice President of Grappling, previously corroborated key parts of this timeline, noting that hydration testing designed for athlete safety can dramatically alter weight outcomes and that Crevar did not arrive in Thailand without attempting to make the contracted limit.
Crevar contextualized the situation within her physical development, noting that while she previously competed comfortably at 145, her natural walking weight has now increased to approximately 155–158 lbs (70–72 kg) as she has grown older.
“I’m 18 now, almost 19, and my walking weight is between 155 and 158 lbs. My body changed naturally over the years as I got older and grew.”
She acknowledged that while she holds titles at lighter divisions, repeated weight cuts are becoming more difficult and less sustainable. Going forward, she indicated her intention to compete closer to her natural weight, prioritizing health and performance over aggressive dieting.
“My parents and I prioritize my health and well being over everything else.”
Crevar also addressed the intense reaction from fans and critics alike, calling out what she described as uninformed negativity and rumor spreading.
“If you don’t know what really happened, stop spreading false rumors.”
“This post is for people who support me, and for those who understand how challenging these situations can be.”
She framed the experience as a learning moment not only for herself but for other athletes who may eventually face similar setbacks.
“I want you to know it’s okay. It can happen to anyone, and it has happened to many professional athletes in many other sports.”
Despite the weigh in controversy, Crevar defended the legitimacy of her performance inside the cage. She stated that she deliberately chose to play from bottom position to minimize any size advantage, emphasizing that technical skill, not weight, determined the outcome.
“I decided to play bottom because this is where my weight advantage wouldn’t take part.”
“On bottom and in leg locks, it’s who is more technical.”
Crevar secured a first round ankle lock victory in 1 minute and 40 seconds, standing by the result.
“I own the win 100%.”
She also expressed gratitude toward her opponent Teshya and her team for accepting the open weight bout, noting that she herself has historically accepted size and age disadvantages to stay active in competition.
Closing her statement, Crevar reflected positively on her overall ONE Championship debut, praising the culture, organization and experience in Thailand despite the turbulence leading into contest week.
“Now I’ll focus on competing at the weight class that best fits my natural body and showcasing my skills.”
