diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/combat.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/combat.lua
index 76121f5f2..6342581d1 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/combat.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/combat.lua
@@ -537,6 +537,11 @@ function mob_class:on_punch(hitter, tflp, tool_capabilities, dir)
 	local is_player = hitter:is_player()
 
 	if is_player then
+		-- check for invulnerability time in microseconds (0.5 second)
+		if time_now - self.invul_timestamp <= 500000 then
+			return
+		end
+
 		-- is mob protected?
 		if self.protected and minetest.is_protected(self.object:get_pos(), hitter:get_player_name()) then
 			return
@@ -546,11 +551,6 @@ function mob_class:on_punch(hitter, tflp, tool_capabilities, dir)
 			self.health = 0
 		end
 
-		-- check for invulnerability time in microseconds (0.5 second)
-		if time_now - self.invul_timestamp <= 500000 then
-			return
-		end
-
 		-- set/update 'drop xp' timestamp if hitted by player
 		self.xp_timestamp = time_now
 	end