"A bit frustrated that I couldn't submit her" - Mayssa Bastos left unsatisfied after successful world title defense vs. Danielle Kelly

ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion Mayssa Bastos successfully defended the throne from former queen Danielle Kelly at ONE Fight Night 26. Still, it was not a performance that she was proud to have.

The nine-time IBJJF world champion criticized her own display during the in-ring interview with ONE athlete-turned-analyst Mitch Chilson:

"I'm trying to bring something new to my game. Everybody says that I go too much at the bottom, but I'm trying to bring new things to my game. It was very good. I am very happy that I kept the title, that I kept the belt, but a bit frustrated that I couldn't submit her."

Their world title bout this past Friday, Dec. 6, served as their rematch over the gold, with Bastos having dethroned Kelly at ONE Fight Night 24 this past August.

In their second meeting, the Silver Fox BJJ and Illuminati Grappling product made good on her promise to return to her ultra-aggressive self by consistently hunting for a submission finish of Bastos.

However, the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy athlete repeatedly passed through Kelly's guard with ease and eventually secured the unanimous decision victory by scoring a catch off a heel hook attempt as time expired.

---

Mayssa Bastos holds Danielle Kelly in high regard

Mayssa Bastos clarified that any perceived bad blood between her and Danielle Kelly is only reserved for the circle, even pointing out how much she respects her abilities and achievements.

Bastos told the world's largest martial arts promotion ahead of ONE Fight Night 26:

"Danielle Kelly's jiu-jitsu is very good. I don't have much to say. She was once the division champion and is now trying to regain the title."

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 26 on demand.