“I'm not really the champ until I beat her” - Danielle Kelly eager to prove her worth as true champion with win over Mayssa Bastos
Danielle Kelly wants to prove something else in her next title defense against Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2. The ONE atomweight submission grappling queen has enjoyed her time as a ONE world champion, but her mentality is still as strong as she was when hunting for the golden belt.
Ahead of the co-main event inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium, Kelly shared how she actually feels about her next challenger, who has many things going for quite some time.
The 28-year-old told ONE Championship:
"I feel like going into this, she's pretty well known and, just like any other opponent, but especially her, I take them very seriously. And, I'm kind of going in this with a mentality that I'm not really the champ until I beat her. I'm the champ. So I've been kinda just taking my training a little more safe, but also seriously."
Indeed, the atomweight submission grappling queen is ready to prove herself again by defending her world title in a massive match against one of the most decorated BJJ specialists of her time.
Divisional supremacy is at stake in Kelly vs. Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24
The reigning ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly is set to clash with Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart, and this could be the toughest challenge in her career so far.
This pivotal co-main event tilt will take place inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and be broadcast live in U.S. primetime on Friday, August 2.
Currently, Kelly is at the height of her career after blasting through the division and claiming the inaugural belt with a perfect record.
On the other hand, Bastos is also a decorated women's jiu-jitsu world champion who will come with a victory on his own in the organization.
Fans in the United States and Canada will be able to catch all the action absolutely free of charge with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.