"Time for a comeback" - Fans eager to see a better Danielle Kelly following world title loss to Mayssa Bastos in Bangkok
Danielle Kelly's reign as the ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion was ended by Mayssa Bastos on August 2 in the co-main event of the ONE Fight Night 24 card inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bastos eked out a unanimous decision nod from the judges after they both failed to get a submission during the 10-minute bout, and the Brazilian star's crowning moment was posted by the promotion on Instagram with the caption:
"AND NEW 👑 Mayssa Bastos dethrones Danielle Kelly by unanimous decision to become the ONE Women's Atomweight Submission Grappling World Champion! @mayssabastos"
This was Kelly's first defeat in the world's largest martial arts organization since her promotional debut in March 2022 at ONE X. Previously, she had a perfect record of three wins and one draw. Included in her victim list are Mariia Molchanova, Ayaka Miura, and Jessa Khan.
Despite the defeat from Bastos, the Silver Fox BJJ athlete received massive support from fans, especially from users @raulcavieres, @safe_grappler, @peterfarnsworth, and @chinorific, who consoled her with positive messages through their comments:
"Always my champ @daniellekellybjj we coming back stronger than ever❤️💪🏻"
"@daniellekellybjj time for a comeback"
"@daniellekellybjj hold your head up high champ. We all lose in life and it's how we deal with at loss. ❤️❤️ You will be back stronger"
"Close match!! I thought @daniellekellybjj pushed the action though!"
Mayssa Bastos received the $50,000 performance bonus
With her win over Kelly, Bastos not only became the new ruler of the atomweight submission grappling division, but she also received the coveted $50,000 bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, along with Aliff Sor Dechapan and Elias Mahmoudi.
Furthermore, she sued her post-fight interview with Mitch Chilson to voice her intentions of being an active title holder and defending her championship as much as possible against anyone the promotion would pit her against.
North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch all the action from the ONE Fight Night 24 card via the event replay.