"I was always judged" - Danielle Kelly says getting bullied made her feel like she never fit in anywhere
Danielle Kelly did not have it easy early in life before she eventually found her way. The ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion dealt with bullying during her upbringing, which was a tough test of her character.
This eventually led her to martial arts, which would change her life for the better by giving her something to focus on whilst building confidence at the same time.
She spoke openly about this during her recent podcast appearance on The Few Will Hunt show.
Kelly reflected on how she believes this was even harder for her to deal with as a woman because of how she was treated by the people in her age group:
"It's harder for girls too [dealing with bullying]. I'm not playing gender, but is.
"That life was not great at all. Like, you're still young, you're in high school, and you're a new kid, it takes on you. Because no one wants to talk to the new kid, no one wants to put the effort, especially like girls. Girls are so catty, especially in a richer area, I was always judged or something."
Watch the full interview below:
Danielle Kelly is a product of what she went through
Danielle Kelly is used to being an underdog but she cherishes this role after living it for most of her life.
Her upcoming title defense at ONE Fight Night 24 against Mayssa Bastos is nothing compared to the challenges she has faced in life.
For Kelly, pressure is a privilege because she worked so hard to get to this point and now isn't willing to give up her spot.
The adversity she has dealt with from a young age has shaped her into the competitor that fans now see today. Her resilience and mentality tell her story, which is far from over in ONE Championship.
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.