Danielle Kelly suggests Mayssa Bastos struggles against wrestlers: “They’re better at the top game than she is”
Danielle Kelly explained one weakness she believes Mayssa Bastos has showcased in high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments.
On Friday, August 2, Kelly will return to action for the first time since becoming the inaugural ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world title.
She must showcase another world-class performance to retain her throne, as she's been matched up against nine-time BJJ world champion Mayssa Bastos in the ONE Fight Night 24 co-main event.
Kelly recently did an interview with Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu to discuss her upcoming matchup against Bastos. The American superstar had this to say about a flaw she's noticed from her opposite number:
"She struggles with girls, especially in some of her tournaments. I think these girls are better at wrestling. I think they're better at the top game than she is, but she just has a very good stable guard that's really hard to pass. I think that’s the most challenging part."
Danielle Kelly vs. Mayssa Bastos is one of two world title fights going down inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Friday's event featuring Jarred Brooks vs. Gustavo Balart can be seen live and for free by North American and Canadian viewers with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Watch Kelly's entire interview with Jordan Loves Jiujitsu below:
Danielle Kelly wasn't overly impressed with Mayssa Bastos' ONE Championship debut
On March 8, Mayssa Bastos competed under the ONE Championship banner for the first time against Kanae Yamada.
The Brazillian seemed destined for a submission win early before Yamada regained her composure and forced the match to go the distance, which Bastos won by unanimous decision.
During the same interview, Danielle Kelly had this to say about Bastos' promotional debut:
"I watched her in the Yamada match, and I was more impressed with Yamada, you know? The first two minutes, I thought Mayssa might get the finish, but Yamada really toughened it out, and I don't think she's getting that much credit."
At ONE Fight Night 24, Mayssa Bastos has an opportunity to secure a life-changing win against Danielle Kelly.
It'll be intriguing to see if the 26-year-old can pull off the upset and become the second ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion in the promotion's history.