Danielle Kelly reveals she did extensive simulation work preparing for Mariia Molchanova

There’s an old saying in jiu-jitsu that drillers make killers, which is something that ONE women’s submission grappling superstar Danielle Kelly keeps to heart even to this day.

In preparation for her BJJ vs. sambo matchup against the formidable Mariia Molchanova at ONE on Prime Video 4 last November, the American grappling star went back to basics in training camp.

Instead of working on some flashy new technique, Danielle Kelly refined her closed guard, which is one of the most fundamental positions that white belts learn early on.

In an interview with ONE Championship, the Silver Fox BJJ standout revealed how she used the seemingly rudimentary guard to perform a marvelous back take that led to her slick submission of her Russian foe:

“From certain positions, like my goal was to take her back. I just didn’t think it was gonna be from close guard when I took her back. We worked a lot of sequences whether it was like arm drags or just working sequences to take her back.”

Kelly grabbed a hold of Molchanova’s left arm once the bell sounded and wisely pulled guard. Unbothered by the sambo specialist’s top pressure, the Philadelphia, USA, native used an overhook and displayed amazing hip dexterity to escape from the back.

Kelly kept Molchanova in place with a tight body triangle and relentlessly hunted for the rear-naked choke. After several attempts of futile resistance, Molchanova had nowhere to go and no choice but to tap or lose consciousness.

Relive Danielle Kelly’s highly technical handiwork below:

That finish, meanwhile, earned Kelly her second straight $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

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Danielle Kelly on being the face of ONE’s women’s submission grappling scene

After two spectacular performances inside the circle, there’s no doubt that Danielle Kelly is the gold standard when it comes to women’s grappling-only matches.

Prior to tapping Molchanova, Kelly put on a grappling clinic against Mei Yamaguchi and introduced herself to ONE fans in a big way. The glitz and the glamor, however, come with a lot of pressure since she must live up to a certain level of expectations.

Now, Kelly has matured both in and out the Circle and carries this distinction with utmost pride. She told ONE Championship in a previous interview:

“You know, I’m really thankful for competing for ONE Championship, getting that first call. Being the first women’s jiu-jitsu match for ONE Championship, I think that was a huge statement especially like trying to grow the women’s sports out in the world.”