“Keep going” - American BJJ superstar Danielle Kelly reflects on her roller coaster of a career, works her way back to world title scene
Danielle Kelly knows the road to success isn't always filled with dandelions and roses.
The former ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion is one of the most mentally resilient fighters on the planet, with her rough upbringing making her an absolute beast of a competitor in the professional Brazilian jiu-jitsu circuit.
Taking to Instagram, Kelly shared her mentality while she attempts to start her march back to the throne she once sat on.
Danielle Kelly wrote:
"That part 🗣 Living your dream isn't always easy and has a ton of ups and downs with life, but it's worth it. Keep going."
Kelly was a house on fire the moment she arrived in ONE Championship at ONE X despite settling for a draw against Japanese MMA pioneer Mei Yamaguchi in their submission grappling match.
After her stalemate against Yamaguchi, when ONE Championship has yet to tweak its submission grappling ruleset, Kelly racked up three straight wins against Mariia Molchanova, Ayaka Miura, and Jessa Khan.
Her unanimous decision win against Khan awarded Kelly the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world title.
Kelly, however, would not have a long reign as she lost the strap to multi-time BJJ world champion Mayssa Bastos in her first defense at ONE Fight Night 24.
The American star now plans to work her way back to the world title picture, and she'll stop at nothing to realize that dream once again.
Danielle Kelly determined to reclaim her lost crown from Mayssa Bastos
Danielle Kelly's first world title defense didn't end the way she would've hoped for.
Her match against Mayssa Bastos was arguably the most difficult one of her career, but Kelly is determined to reclaim the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title by any means necessary.
Following her defeat to Bastos, Kelly took to Instagram to share her mindset after losing the strap she worked her entire life to get.
"Bad day at work but I proved once again I belong at the top. Years ago, I would’ve shut down. Today went head to head against the number one 115lb grappler who’s beaten everyone in the weight class. I may not agree but I’ll be ready for a rematch and will improve. Thank you everyone I’m gonna enjoy the rest of my summer and get back to work."