American grappling ace Danielle Kelly is seeking to have her name adorned in ONE gold. ONE Championship world titles have become a key component of the legacy of several Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experts, and Kelly wants a piece.
Last year, ONE Championship introduced two new submission grappling world titles. These inaugural world championships were won by phenomenal athletes Kade Ruotolo and Mikey Musumeci. But no world title was introduced for women's atomweight, and Danielle Kelly is hoping to see that change in 2023.
After her victory at ONE Fight Night 7, Kelly discussed where she wants her name to be ranked; among the greats of Brazilian jiu jitsu:
"I won't say pressure, but being with names like Mikey Musumeci, Kade and Tye Ruotolo, Garry Tonon - I think that I would definitely put a lot of respect on my name. I think that would put a lot of attention on jiu-jitsu."
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A ONE Championship world title has been a jewel in the crown of many talented grapplers, and Danielle Kelly wants in on the action:
"People see how hard the athletes work for that. Being in that same category with them would be a huge accomplishment because they're really good. Kade Ruotolo is an ADCC champion. He's won in one of the toughest tournaments."
Danielle Kelly submission grappling greatness
US-born Danielle Kelly has been impressing fans around the globe with her sharp submission grappling skills. In the ONE circle, she has vanquished opponents such as judo specialist Ayaka Miura and sambo world champion Mariia Molchanova. For most of her matches in ONE, she was able to capture $50,000 performance bonuses.
Prior to her career in ONE Championship, Kelly was well known in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community due to her impressive victories over the likes of Roxanne Modafferi, Cynthia Calvillo, and former UFC world champion Carla Esparza, among others.
She has the respect of the submission grappling community with several impressive wins on the mats. But a world championship title in ONE would be key to her legacy. The American grappling ace is hoping to earn this in 2023 as Kelly is looking to capture the inaugural ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world championship.