"I'm inspiring kids" - Danielle Kelly claps back at doubters who try to diminish her accomplishments
Becoming a role model to the new generation is enough motivation for Danielle Kelly to continue pursuing greatness.
The 28-year-old BJJ ace has reached improbable heights in her professional career, which gave her pride, fame, and riches beyond her wildest imagination.
However, those who wear the crown also carry the burden of unjust criticism from detractors who want to see an athlete fail.
While Kelly admits feeling hurt from time to time, she takes solace in the fact that she's making a difference for children who might want to follow her path someday.
The inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion said during her guest appearance on The Few Will Hunt Show on YouTube:
"When I'm having a bad day, I always have parents of sons or daughters, like, they'll say, 'I always give my kids your videos and they're inspired'. So the haters are like, 'Oh, Danielle's this and that'. I'm inspiring kids, what are you doing?"
Here's the interview in its entirety:
At the end of the day, Danielle Kelly simply tunes out the noise and doesn't mind proving herself time and time again.
The Silver Fox BJJ superstar wants to silence her detractors once and for all at ONE Fight Night 24 when she faces her toughest test yet.
Danielle Kelly says she'll 'break' Mayssa Bastos
On August 2, live in US Primetime, Danielle Kelly will defend her atomweight gold for the first time against Mayssa Bastos.
While the American has nothing but respect for the nine-time IBJJF world champion, she wants to make a statement inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native told ONE:
"She's going to try to rush something like a leglock because a lot of people like doing leg locks with me, which I hope so because I like to counter."
Kelly added:
"I'm looking to break anything she gives me."
ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs Balart on Prime Video is free for those with a Prime Video subscription in the United States and Canada.