"We're both not going to tap" - Danielle Kelly ready to crank up the intensity to force Mayssa Bastos into submission
Nine-time IBJJF world champion Mayssa Bastos hasn't tasted defeat in her last 10 bouts. Her upcoming opponent Danielle Kelly, though, wants to end that winning streak in the most decisive way possible.
The American BJJ ace will defend her atomweight submission grappling crown for the first time this coming Friday in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.
While Kelly knows getting the W against such a credentialed challenger will be tough, she's confident in her abilities to make Bastos yield in under 10 minutes.
The Silver Fox BJJ athlete said during her pre-event interview with Sportskeeda MMA's Nick Atkin:
"We're both not going to tap or anything. But yeah, I mean, I always want to try and get the finish. Who knows? Maybe I'll just try to catch submissions or something and go on from there. I'm looking forward to try and get the finish."
Besting Bastos will indeed be a tough task for anyone. But if there's anyone who can pull it off, it's certainly the inaugural atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly.
Watch the full interview:
Danielle Kelly is ready for Mayssa Bastos' signature move
By now, it seems Bastos' name is already synonymous with the berimbolo, an intricate but highly effective back-taking maneuver in BJJ.
Even Danielle Kelly admits she's wary of the Brazilian's signature technique, but she will be ready to counter it once the time comes.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native told ONE:
"On the berimbolo stuff, I used to be intimidated by it. But I feel like if I just kinda go in there, get in her face, and be aware of what she's trying to do, and what her best things are, it will help me."
ONE Fight Night 24 will emanate from 'The Mecca of Muay Thai', Lumpinee Stadium, on August 2, live in US primetime. This full event is free for Prime Video subscribers in North America.