Olena Kolesnyk takes inspiration from her fellow Ukrainians when it comes to not giving up in the face of adversity.

Kolesnyk (7-5, 1 NC; 2-3 PFL) will face a formidable opponent in Ultimate Fighting Championship alum Aspen Ladd on April 7. Still, “Cannon” is ready to do whatever it takes to take home the recently-inaugurated Professional Fighters League 145-pound championship. Last year, Kolesnyk lost to eventual champ Larissa Pacheco in the lightweight playoffs after the Brazilian stopped her with punches. This year, Kolesnyk hopes to meet her longtime rival in the featherweight final. Whenever she feels she lacks motivation, she thinks about what her people are going through to keep pushing.

“My huge motivation, of course, is to bring the belt to my country and give people hope about never give up no matter what. When I look at my guys, even if I'm really tired after my trainings, I just check my WhatsApp, I check my Instagram and I see the new video which they sent to me. You cannot give up. Go to the gym again. These people protect your family, your mother and sister are still alive because of them. Go work hard. My main motivation is to give hope and to bring the belt to Ukraine.”

(00:00) Intro

(00:33) Preparing for Ladd

(01:11) Aiming to win the championship

(01:34) Focusing on her ground game

(02:27) Competing at 145 pounds

(03:09) Besting her opponents

(04:38) Hoping to face Pacheco in the finals

(04:50) Having anticipated Pacheco would defeat Harrison

(05:51) Updates on Ukraine’s situation

(09:03) Her motivation ahead of the 2023 PFL Regular Season

(10:25) Outro