‘Can’t Wait To Prove People Wrong’ – Danielle Kelly Embraces Underdog Status In World Title Fight With Mayssa Bastos
American sensation Danielle Kelly is planning to make a statement in the highly anticipated first defense of her ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title.
The Philadelphia native will put her gold on the line against Brazilian superstar Mayssa Bastos on August 2 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.
Set to go down at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, that match represents the stiffest test of Kelly’s ONE tenure.
That’s because, as a nine-time IBJJF World Champion, Bastos is widely recognized as the sport’s best-ever competitor in the lightest weight divisions.
The defending titleholder is well aware of the decorated Brazilian’s many accomplishments outside of ONE – but she feels more than ready to show she’s just as talented.
Kelly told onefc.com:
“I just don’t think I get enough credit. I’m also a huge underdog, which I expected because she wins a lot of stuff at the lower divisions.
“I think I’m going to be overlooked, and I can’t wait to prove people wrong.”
The American is no stranger to taking out other World Champions.
Last September, she scored an impressive decision win over then-reigning IBJJF World Champion Jessa Khan, capturing the inaugural women’s atomweight submission grappling crown in the process.
That win erased any doubts that Kelly is a true world-class talent, but she now finds herself in a similar position against the renowned Bastos.
Kelly isn’t bothered by her underdog status, whether it’s deserved or not:
“I feel like there’s more pressure on her because when I beat her, it’s better for me. Because on paper, again, she’s way more accomplished than me. So as a grappler, I respect that.”
Kelly knows that a win over Bastos would help cement her as the planet’s undeniable best at atomweight.
With that ultimate goal in mind, she’s coming into her first World Title defense more determined than ever to solidify herself atop the submission grappling food chain:
“I want to prove that I’m the best 115-pound grappler by beating Mayssa Bastos. I want to be the best 115 grappler of all time. That’s my goal. And I think having that mindset has definitely made me a different person.
“You know, I don’t want to settle for less. I think settling for less is for the weak. I am not a weak person, and I can’t wait to prove that against Mayssa Bastos.”
Kelly: ‘I’m Looking To Break Anything She Gives Me’
On paper, the World Title contest between Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos represents a clash between two of the planet’s top technicians.
For her part, the reigning queen is confident that she’s prepared for her foe’s elite guard game and relentless back-takes – and she trusts in her own technical acumen to counter Bastos’ attacks.
Kelly broke down the battle ahead of ONE Fight Night 24:
“You have to I think my wrestling is better. I think my submission finishing mechanics, my defense, my counters are much better.
“I think that in this match, I think she’s gonna be trying to attack my back. I think she’s going to try to rush something like a leg lock because a lot of people just like doing leg locks with me – which I hope so because I like to counter.”
However it plays out, Kelly looks forward to an all-action, fast-paced affair on August 2.
And as always, she’s keeping the submission finish at the front of her mind:
“Jiu-jitsu fans can expect a really exciting match. I believe it’s going pretty back and forth. She’s going to try to take my back, or I’m gonna try to take her neck or her leg.
“I’m looking to break anything she gives me.”
