Danielle Kelly is ready to take on anyone that ONE Championship puts in front of her. The submission grappling sensation had a stellar 2022 and will look to keep her momentum going as she jumps back into the circle in 2023.
The photogenic Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt already has her first match of the new year lined up. At ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, Kelly will return to face former MMA world title challenger Ayaka Miura.
With a respectable record of 11-4 in mixed martial arts, Miura will try her hand at submission grappling, facing one of the biggest names in the sport today.
What comes next for Kelly after her February date with the Japanese standout is anyone’s guess, but she is ready to take on all potential opponents, big or small.
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“As far as opponents, I mean I definitely have a few lined up. I’m also, I’ve also called out a few people so you know I’m really happy to whoever they give me. I think in the past because I won against bigger girls, I just prefer my weight class.”
Last year, Kelly had an impressive showing against Mei Yamaguchi in her promotional debut, earning a $50,000 bonus from the ONE CEO for her efforts. She followed that up with a dominant win over Sambo world champion Mariia Molchanova at ONE on Prime Video 4. Kelly only needed 2:15 to submit Molchanova to earn her 20th career win and a second $50,000 bonus.
Danielle Kelly expects another big year under the ONE Championship banner
Danielle Kelly is primed for perhaps the best year of her career in 2023. That truly is saying something considering how much success the 27-year-old BJJ superstar had in 2022.
Not only did Danielle Kelly deliver two showstopping performances inside the circle last year, but she was also able to share her knowledge with the next generation of BJJ practitioners, leading dozens of seminars all across the country. Kelly took a moment to look back at her success in 2022 but is ultimately excited for what’s to come in 2023.
“I’m still figuring out as we all are, I’m looking forward to what 2023 will bring. Thank you to everyone that has been in my corner since day one. I’m looking to keep proving myself and why I deserve to be out there”.