ONE Fight Night 24 preview and predictions: Danielle Kelly vs. Mayssa Bastos
ONE Fight Night 24 will see two of this generation's best submission grapplers face off for gold and legacy.
Danielle Kelly will defend her ONE atomweight submission grappling world title against Mayssa Bastos in the card's co-main event at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
Both fighters have strong arguments to be called the best of their generation, and this matchup could practically settle the distinction.
Kelly is the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion, while Bastos is a nine-time BJJ world champion.
There really isn't much to lose for either fighter, but an invaluable level reputation could go to the winner in this possible super fight.
Before Kelly and Bastos figure in a grappling chess match, Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship team gave their unbiased opinions on the matchup.
ONE Fight Night 24, which goes down this Friday, is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
James De Rozario: Danielle Kelly via decision
Mayssa Bastos will bring out a version of Danielle Kelly that we have yet to witness in ONE Championship. The nine-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion will have all the expertise and tricks up her rashguard to push the pace and bring the fight down to the wire.
That said, Danielle Kelly typically performs at her best when she's under pressure, and this should be no different inside the 'Mecca of Muay Thai'.
I see the Silver Fox BJJ affiliate putting her expertise to good use against the decorated Brazilian to score points where Bastos tries to take a break and strategize.
She won't have it easy, though, as Bastos will roll her way to safety or reverse any leg locks or limb-picking scenarios that would unfold in this high-paced matchup.
However, my money remains on Kelly winning most of the exchanges, scoring points with her catches and a couple of submissions to keep possession of her ONE gold.
Mike Murillo: Mayssa Bastos via submission
I see this contest being very competitive, but I'm going to Mayssa Bastos here by submission.
While I'm not outrightly discounting the abilities of Danielle Kelly and her standing as the defending ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion, Bastos is carrying a lot of experience, including being a nine-time BJJ world champion, that should serve her well come fight night.
However, I don't see Kelly going down without a fight. I believe competing in ONE for a longer period of time than her opponent will help her cause and allow her to hang with Bastos, going for her leg and trying to go for a finish.
In the end, though, Bastos will find her way around it, eventually taking Kelly's back and going for a submission late into the scheduled 10-minute clash.
Ted Razon: Danielle Kelly via decision
This is going to be an amazing scrap at ONE Fight Night 24 between arguably two of the most technically sound 125-pound female grapplers in the world.
On paper, Bastos is the favorite, and I believe that's justified. Her ability to produce significant offense off her back is second to none. I expect her to have the advantage early on especially once she gets it rolling with her Dela Riva/berimbolo combo and takes the champ's back.
Kelly, though, is not one to panic in bad spots. The American was caught in a similar predicament against Bastos' AOJ teammate Jessa Khan, but found a way to slither her way out.
The champ must watch out for the challenger's leg lock entries, which she can turn into opportunities to pass the guard.
It is worth noting that Bastos had a bit of trouble against Kanae Yamada's strong top game in her ONE debut. Kelly, meanwhile, does have a wrestling background and showcased her underrated passing game in her title-winning performance.
I foresee this match going the distance, but I believe Kelly's familiarity with ONE's submission grappling ruleset should allow her to retain her 26 pounds of gold.
Vince Richards: Mayssa Bastos via decision
ONE Fight Night 24's co-main event will feature two schools of submission grappling. In one corner is Danielle Kelly and her innovative wrestling style, and on the other is Mayssa Bastos' pure Brazilian jiu-jitsu arsenal.
Both have produced sterling results throughout their careers, but I believe Bastos' more grounded approach could be the key in this world title matchup.
Kelly, the reigning ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion, uses her wrestling to great effect during matches and she'll aggressively look for takedowns any moment she gets.
That aggression, however, could be her downfall against Bastos.
The Brazilian star could capitalize once Kelly gets too gung-ho in her approach and put the American phenom under her control.
Kelly is far too wise to be trapped under precarious situations, but this is Bastos' fight and it's quite possible that she'll get the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title via the judges' nods.