Danielle Kelly down for MMA switch only if it makes sense: "It has to be good"
ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly wouldn't mind taking one step back in her go-to discipline to pursue a career in mixed martial arts. However, the Silver Fox BJJ athlete says she'd only consider the move if it is attractive enough.
Before she returns to the global stage of ONE Championship for her fifth assignment and first world title defense, Danielle Kelly touched on her MMA aspirations and whether or not she'd be down to do it in the long run.
"I always had thoughts. But, you know, it has to be good," the 28-year-old told Sportskeeda MMA in a pre-fight interview.
She added:
"I wouldn't want to just do it to join it, like do a fight, and then, know. I mean, I'm getting elbowed in the face, the knee, so it has to be a good price."
Watch the full interview here:
If she does make the move and lace the four-ounce gloves, the Philadelphia native won't be short of options in the all-encompassing discipline. Kelly also wouldn't be the first submission grappling world champion within the promotion to pursue a career in the discipline.
Lightweight submission grappling kingpin Kade Ruotolo opened his MMA account with a stunning first-round submission victory over Blake Cooper this past June. His twin brother, Tye – who targets an MMA stint before the year ends – could follow suit.
Meanwhile, Mikey Musumeci has been toying with the idea for quite some time, too. The ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion remains open to putting his striking weaponry to good use in the sport.
Danielle Kelly meets Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2
Before she decides to have a go in the all-encompassing sport, Danielle Kelly must focus on her next assignment under the ONE Championship banner.
The ground game specialist faces nine-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24, which takes place inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Their ONE atomweight submission grappling world championship fixture serves as the co-main event before Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart dispute for the ONE interim strawweight MMA world title in the headline attraction.
North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch the entire card live in U.S. primetime for free.