"I don't give a s**t what you accomplished" - Danielle Kelly unbothered by challenger Mayssa Bastos' lofty credentials
Despite becoming the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion, Danielle Kelly still often feels overlooked. It will be the same old story for the American BJJ ace in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24 when she faces arguably the most distinguished female grappler of this generation.
'The Mecca of Muay Thai' Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand will host two sensational athletes in 'The Gentle Art' when Kelly defends her 26 pounds of gold for the first time against Mayssa Bastos this Friday, August 2.
Bastos, a nine-time IBJJF world champion, has long been in the upper echelon of the sport. The Brazilian made a flawless promotional debut against Kanae Yamada last March, which warranted her a title shot.
Kelly, on the other hand, will take on a well-known Art of Jiu-Jitsu athlete for the second straight time, after her title-clinching win over Bastos' teammate Jessa Khan.
Unsurprisingly, the Silver Fox BJJ affiliate is considered the underdog once more.
However, that doesn't bother Danielle Kelly one bit. As far as the champion is concerned, it's just another opportunity to stamp her class as the best in the world.
"Now, I'm kinda just just going in there now. Like, I don't really give a s**t what you accomplished or how many titles you have," she told ONE.
Danielle Kelly ready for Mayssa Bastos' signature berimbolo
Most of Bastos' opponents fell prey to her dazzling mastery of one of the most visually stunning techniques in BJJ, the Berimbolo.
Danielle Kelly, meanwhile, already knows what she's up against and has perfected a game plan to counter the challenger's signature move.
The atomweight grappling queen told ONE:
"On the berimbolo stuff, I used to be intimidated by it. But 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."
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for those with a Prime Video subscription in the United States and Canada.