Grappling sensation Danielle Kelly has picked up her first ONE Championship victory—submitting Mariia Molchanova at ONE on Prime Video 4. Now, she's eyeing a world title within the promotion.
The 26-year-old New Jersey native wants to ascend further up the ranks en route to a ONE submission grappling world championship.
Kelly recently told the organization what it'd mean to achieve a title under ONE's banner:
"I'd rank it number one. It's the biggest promotion in the world, you know?"
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And whether or not she wants to compete for a ONE submission grappling title:
"Yes. 100%."
Uber-talented grapplers Mikey Musumeci and Kade Ruotolo attained inaugural ONE submission grappling world titles in their respective weight classes, and Kelly is looking to do the same.
She's on the right track after locking in a fight-ending rear naked choke in her second ONE appearance. Kelly fought to a draw against Mei Yamaguchi in her promotional debut, however, even in that fight, she was dominant.
Danielle Kelly gearing up for a transition to MMA in 2023
The grappling phenom has been teasing a transition to MMA for quite some time—and it appears as though fans might get their wish in 2023. She told The Schmo:
“I’ll have like one or two more jiu-jitsu matches and then maybe I’ll focus on my first MMA fight next year. I just want to compete in jiu-jitsu first, and then sometime next year I want to make the move to MMA.”
Already having experience grappling against the likes of Carla Esparza, Roxanne Modafferi, and Cynthia Calvillo, expect Kelly to have the advantage on the mat no matter who she faces in her MMA debut.
However, her real test will be on the feet, where each and every MMA bout begins. The Silver Fox BJJ affiliate will have to prove her ability to handle herself in the striking department. Nevertheless, her MMA debut will be immensely anticipated.
Check back here for an announcement pertaining to Danielle Kelly's next fight.
Check out Danielle Kelly's full interview below: