Former ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly blasted her own performance that led to Mayssa Bastos supplanting her as the new queen of the division this past August.
Before her world title rematch with the Brazilian megastar at ONE Fight Night 26 on Friday, Dec. 6, the Silver Fox BJJ product reflected on her first go-around with Bastos:
"I was kinda giving her too much credit, which she deserves. I'm not saying at all or discrediting her or talking trash. I kinda put myself in a negative position where I was like, 'oh, man, she's this and that.' When I should've just gone out there and just not care who she is [and] just go out there and attack."
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Kelly's noticeable lack of aggression at ONE Fight Night 24 surprised many, including Bastos. The 27-year-old took advantage of the situation and pressured Kelly into making mistakes, but not without the American putting on a strong last-minute push.
However, it was too little too late for the 29-year-old as the nine-time IBJJF world champion was awarded the gold via unanimous decision.
Danielle Kelly doubles down on needing to be aggressive at ONE Fight Night 26
With Danielle Kelly acknowledging her mistakes in their initial encounter, her goal entering ONE Fight Night 26 is to return to her all-out aggression style and reclaim the crown from Mayssa Bastos in stunning fashion.
Kelly told ONE in a separate interview:
"So yeah, I think the goal is to be more aggressive and just go after her in this match. I'll need to put the pressure on her, definitely, you know."
ONE Fight Night 26 will take place inside the hallowed halls of the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The entire event will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.