FREE FULL FIGHT: BJJ superstar Danielle Kelly schools Sambo world champion Mariia Molchanova in slick submission finish
The first victory of former ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly under the world's largest martial arts organization was against Mariia Molchanova in November 2022 at ONE on Prime Video 4.
The full fight replay of this thrilling clash was published by ONE Championship on YouTube, and its video description read:
"A nasty rear-naked choke closed out the atomweight submission grappling bout between American phenom Danielle Kelly and sambo sensation Mariia Molchanova!"
The 28-year-old American sensation instantly grabbed her Russian opponent's hands to be in full guard position 10 seconds into the match. This allowed Kelly to operate on her back and transition to a slick back take.
Once Kelly secured her legs onto the body of Molchanova, she quickly tried to flatten her and worked her into a rear-naked choke technique.
The Silver Fox BJJ representative controlled the Sambo sensation for over a minute until she tried to stand up and get out of the position. However, when Molchanova went back on her feet, Kelly used it to her advantage to tighten the lock and force the tap out of her.
Danielle Kelly motivated to continue inspiring the next generation through jiu-jitsu
Ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Mayssa Bastos on Dec. 6 at ONE Fight Night 26 for the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Kelly talked to ONE Championship about her influence on the next generation.
According to her, she is motivated to continue to be a beacon of hope for them, as she stated:
"Maybe the girls that watched me from when they were like 4 or 5, they're in high school wrestling now because of me. It's humbling, but also cool feeling because maybe I got them into the sport, or I gave them the confidence that they can do it, too. It's an emotional feeling, but that's why I do this. It's for them and helping the next generation."
ONE Fight Night 26 airs live from the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Dec. 6, and North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can watch it live and for free.