"Here I am, I'm at the top of the world" - Danielle Kelly says difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations
Danielle Kelly has faced her fair share of trials and tribulations during her journey to the summit of the submission grappling mountain.
From losing her parents to being bullied as a teenager, the Silver Fox BJJ had been forced to deal with one incident after another – all while chasing greatness in her martial arts career.
But in the face of adversity, true warriors – more often than not – prevail. And the same can be said for the ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion.
Through whatever means, and with what little she had, Danielle Kelly made the most of her opportunity and single-focus mindset to accomplish her goals in her life on and off the mats.
Speaking to Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu before she defends her prized possession against Mayssa Bastos, the Philadelphia native summarized her road to gold and the success she enjoys today:
"I know what I'm capable of, you know. It's definitely been a tough road coming up, but here I am, I'm at the top of the world. I'm competing against the best in the world."
Watch the full interview here:
Danielle Kelly squares off against one of the best modern-day BJJ world champions next
Danielle Kelly is never one to rest on her laurels. Even if she's up against a challenge that could be too tough to overcome, the Silver Fox BJJ star is always ready to try her best and give it her all, winning or losing aside.
In a matter of days, the 28-year-old goes toe-to-toe with nine-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Mayssa Bastos, who has all the tricks and experience to pull off a major upset against the former inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Still, she remains composed, as she relayed to ONE Championship:
"I feel like if I just kinda go in there, get in her face, and be aware of what she's trying to do, and what her best things are, it will help me."
North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch the entire ONE Fight Night 24 card live in U.S. primetime for free this Friday, August 2.