Custom Entity Animation and Damage delayed/not aligned

Hi, im making a mod with a mob that attacks the player if attacked. I have a custom animation for the attack (the mob rises its weapon and then attacks), but the mob attacks the player instantly if its near and the animation plays but is delayed making it look very weird. Is there a way for the mob to have a delay before it deals damage to the player so the animation aligns with the damage being dealt?

Help is much appreciated :P