Danielle Kelly looks to regain world title at ONE Fight Night 26
“It sucks not being called the world champion”
Danielle Kelly believes she is the best submission grappler in ONE Championship. In order to prove it, Kelly has to go through Mayssa Bastos tonight in Bangkok at Lumpinee Stadium.
The bout is a key part of ONE Fight Night 26, which airs in primetime on Prime Video. On a card where Christian Lee returns and defends his Lightweight MMA World Title against the undefeated Alibeg Rasulov, Kelly and Bastos will serve as a showcase for two of the best female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world.
The ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling Championship is on the line in this rematch with roles reversed. In August, it was Kelly defending the belt against Bastos. This time, it is Bastos making her first title defense since dethroning Kelly.
“It sucks not being called the world champion,” said Kelly, who grew up in Philadelphia. “That’s been extra motivation for me.”
Despite the loss, Kelly remains resolute in the belief she is the superior grappler. Bastos, a highly decorated nine-time IBJJF world champ, won their match by an incredibly close unanimous decision.
“She’s not unbeatable,” said Kelly, 28. “I should have attacked more last time. My goal is to go after her.”
The bout should bring more attention to women’s grappling in America, where ONE is seeking to expand its reach. Unlike last time, it feels like this contest will end in a submission–a feat Kelly believes she can accomplish.
“I want to take her back,” said Kelly. “I’ve focused on [correcting] some small, technical errors. That’s going to be big against Mayssa.”
Bastos has her own plans in ONE, which include extending her undefeated streak in the promotion and becoming the face of women’s grappling. A tall task stands in front of Kelly, especially considering Bastos is intimately familiar with countering an aggressive attack.
“I need to stay aggressive, I just can’t be stupid,” said Kelly. “My goal is to keep attacking.”