Danielle Kelly looks back at an incredible 2022 for BJJ

Danielle Kelly has become one of the biggest names competing in submission grappling with ONE Championship.

In 2022, the promotion has put grappling on a pedestal, offering some of the sport's most exciting competitors a new place to showcase their skills and compete alongside some of the best fighters in various martial arts disciplines.

Danielle Kelly signed for ONE Championship with all the makings of becoming a star. At ONE on Prime Video 4, the 27-year old picked up her first win inside the circle by submitting Mariia Molchanova just over two minutes into their contest.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Kelly reflected on how much her career has grown because of how the promotion put a spotlight on the sport this year:

“It was probably the best year for jiu-jitsu and being a jiu-jitsu athlete. Looking back, I wasn’t expecting to be in that spot at all. It meant a lot to be able to be the first jiu-jitsu women’s grappling match for ONE. I worked really hard.”

When looking ahead to 2023, Kelly has one specific goal in mind:

“I want to win that women’s world title for 115 [pounds], for sure.”

ONE Championship currently has two submission grappling world champions in Mikey Musumeci and Kade Ruotolo, who have been leading the way for the sport in the promotion.

---

Danielle Kelly pens inspirational message to young girls who want to chase their dreams

ONE atomweight submission grappler Danielle Kelly recently posted a motivational message to young girls that are in the same place she was once in.

Like many young girls interested in sports, Kelly had to face a lot of adversity in order to chase after her dreams and prove people wrong.

Danielle Kelly posted a message on Instagram to try and inspire anyone who happened to see it, telling people to keep pushing no matter the setbacks they may face:

“There was a point in my life where my mom didn’t agree with me to keep training jiu-jitsu because she felt there was no use or it would never support me in my future. My grandmom also hated the sport considering I would tell her I train with the guys and wrestled in highschool on the boys wrestling team 😂 I’ve also had coaches who would not want me to keep going nor help me because they felt I wouldn’t go far."

She continued:

“I remember being so excited winning $50 as a kid doing an in-house tournament because there wasn’t anything in jiu jitsu except winning a $5 medal. I even thought I was so rich winning $500 at a tournament because that’s not ever known in bjj. I started in the sport where women fighting didnt make a dime. I look back and am really grateful I kept my head up and worked hard without the noise getting to me. I’m thankful to be the few women that push the sport, and even competing on the biggest stages where jiu jitsu athletes can make a living. even more thankful for everyone by my side. Some motivation for you all.”