"It's going to be back and forth" - Danielle Kelly expects a high-octane showdown against Mayssa Bastos
Danielle Kelly believes her world title defense against Mayssa Bastos will be all gas and no brakes. The ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion puts her prized possession on the line for the first time in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24, which emanates live from the Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, Aug. 2.
Given her opposite number's extensive resume in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling realm, the Silver Fox BJJ athlete admits she's gearing up for a dangerous test wherever the fight unfolds.
Speaking to the promotion before she steps on the global stage for the fifth time in Bangkok, Thailand, Danielle Kelly said:
"Jiu-jitsu fans can expect a really exciting match. I believe it's going to be back and forth. She's going to try to take my back, or I'm gonna try to take her neck or her leg."
Despite stacking praise on her opposite number, the Philadelphia native has proved to be a force to be reckoned with under the ONE spotlight. As such, she's more than ready to leave it all inside the Circle once more to prove why she thoroughly deserves her recognition as one of the finest ground game wizards in modern-day BJJ.
Submission grappling enthusiasts in North America can catch her world title defense vs Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 for free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription on Aug. 2.
In the main event, Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart lock horns for the ONE interim strawweight MMA world title.
Danielle Kelly fired up to prove she's "the best" against Bastos
In a separate interview with Home of Fight, Danielle Kelly explained why a win over Bastos will do wonders for her career.
She offered:
"I've always looked up to her. Even the first major tournament I did, she won it. She pretty much won everything. She beat every girl at 115 (lbs) and 105 (lbs). So this is my chance to really prove that I'm the best."
Since making her debut on the global stage, Kelly has racked up a four-match unbeaten run that includes her sensational redemption win over Jessa Khan last year to become the division's inaugural world champion.
Meanwhile, Bastos, an eight-time BJJ world champion, returns for her sophomore outing after a hard-earned win over Kanae Yamada at ONE Fight Night 20 this past March.