“She has a lot going for herself” - Danielle Kelly admits Mayssa Bastos holds the advantages in upcoming world title defense

Reigning and undisputed ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly of the United States is confident in her abilities as the queen of the atomweight division.

But the 28-year-old is also very down to Earth, and understands that she will be taking on one of the biggest threats to her reign in veteran Mayssa Bastos.

Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Kelly shared her thoughts on being the underdog in her first world title defense.

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The American star said:

"So she has a lot going for herself. I feel like with me, I kinda just have to try to, like, block that because I'm still a champion and I feel like it's not just a rule set, but I'm also being kinda overlooked in a way."

Kelly added:

"Why do I feel like I'm being overlooked? I feel like if she's taking ADCC very seriously, most people wouldn’t really take the match two weeks before the tournament. So to me, I feel like she thinks I'm gonna be an easy match for her."

The atomweight submission grappling queen can't wait to prove herself again, as she defends her throne in the world's largest martial arts organization.

Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos throw down for divisional supremacy at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video

Atomweight submission grappling queen Danielle Kelly is set to lock horns with Brazilian veteran Mayssa Bastos in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.

The event broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, August 2nd.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on the event this fight week.