diff --git a/src/battle_util.c b/src/battle_util.c
index 3d9c6fee0..fa5d84b75 100644
--- a/src/battle_util.c
+++ b/src/battle_util.c
@@ -7350,7 +7350,7 @@ static u32 CalcAttackStat(u16 move, u8 battlerAtk, u8 battlerDef, u8 moveType, b
             MulModifier(&modifier, UQ_4_12(1.5));
         break;
     case ABILITY_DEFEATIST:
-        if (gBattleMons[battlerAtk].hp <= (gBattleMons[battlerDef].maxHP / 2))
+        if (gBattleMons[battlerAtk].hp <= (gBattleMons[battlerAtk].maxHP / 2))
             MulModifier(&modifier, UQ_4_12(0.5));
         break;
     case ABILITY_FLASH_FIRE: