“I can see why she’s favored to win” - Danielle Kelly embraces underdog role against Mayssa Bastos ahead of ONE Fight Night 24

Reigning and undisputed ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly of the United States knows her role heading into her first world title defense against Mayssa Bastos this weekend. Kelly says she's the underdog in this matchup, despite having 26-pounds of gold over her shoulders.

The 28-year-old American is coming into this fight the best in the world at atomweight. But now she's going up against her toughest assignment yet -- a highly decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion.

Speaking to Sherdog in a recent interview, Kelly talked about her upcoming bout with Bastos.

"I can see why she’s favored to win."

Kelly continued:

"I am the underdog, I haven’t competed in almost a year and she’s number one in the weight class. It’s going to be tough, but these are all things that I’ll figure out."

Bastos is a multiple-time BJJ world champion and one of the most decorated female competitors in the game today. She is without a doubt Kelly's most esteemed opponent in ONE Championship.

The two are set to throw down this weekend for the gold and fans won't have to wait long to see these two ladies in action.

Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos to grapple with the atomweight world title on the line at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video

ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly is set to defend her coveted belt against Brazil's Mayssa Bastos.

The two lock horns in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, August 2.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.