"I found a way to express myself" - Mayssa Bastos says BJJ helped her find a purpose in life at an early age
Mayssa Bastos isn't an athlete who took her time to find her passion in life. The elite submission grappler found her way to jiu-jitsu at an early stage, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Bastos was brought into learning judo through her family, but once she discovered the art form that Brazil helped bring to the rest of the world, she was hooked.
The world-class competitor hasn't looked back since, and for good reason because she's achieved some incredible things in her career.
Starting at a young age not only gave her an outlet but it also allowed her to establish strong foundations that would eventually lead to nine IBJJF world championships and her next outing at ONE Fight Night 24.
In a recent interview with ONE Championship, one half of the co-main event on August 2 spoke about the early stages of her career:
"From an early age my parents put us to play sports. We grew up and that was part of our daily lives. Every day learning something new made me like jiu-jitsu a lot. And it was through jiu-jitsu that I found a way to express myself."
Mayssa Bastos and Danielle Kelly have similarities
Their upbringings may have been very different, but there are some similarities between Mayssa Bastos and her next opponent.
ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly also decided to stick with martial arts for more than just the physical benefits.
It gave her confidence and, as Bastos said, a place where she could express herself in a safe and controlled environment.
The two women will clash for the first time at Lumpinee Stadium on August 2, and Bastos will look to add yet another trophy to her collection.
However, as her teammate Jessa Khan found out, defeating Kelly will be no walk in the park for her.
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.