“I can’t wait to prove people wrong” - Danielle Kelly accepts underdog status against Mayssa Bastos

Danielle Kelly is fully prepared to defend her ONE atomweight submission grappling world title against the Brazilian contender Mayssa Bastos.

She will lock horns with Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2, and she is very excited to prove that she has what it takes to leave the legendary Lumpinee Stadium with the belt still on her shoulder.

For this first title defense, the American superstar has been concentrating on her training camp. She plans to leave nothing unturned, and will be ready for Bastos' technical prowess and submission hunting.

Kelly also knows that she will be entering this matchup as an underdog, a position she often found when facing formidable foes inside the world's biggest stage.

However, throughout four victories, she was able to prove herself as one of the biggest female stars in the sport, as she shared to ONE Championship in an interview.

She said:

“I just don’t think I get enough credit. I’m also a huge underdog, which I expected because she wins a lot of stuff at the lower divisions."

“I think I’m going to be overlooked, and I can’t wait to prove people wrong.”

That fact alone will make this intriguing match even more interesting.

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Danielle Kelly won't be derailed by ring rust in clash against Mayssa Bastos

Although it has been almost 11 months after her last performance, Danielle Kelly believes that ring rust will not be a problem as she heads into her title defense tilt against Brazilian contender Mayssa Bastos.

In an interview with Home of Fight, the ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion said:

"I'm not going to lie, it's kind of new to me cause I mean, I haven't competed since, like, back in September, and just like competing in there, it's going to feel like a little new."

"So, I kind of, I'm going to have probably like ring rust or something. But, you know, everyone's pushing me in my team, so I'm pretty confident."

See if she will be able to maintain his perfect streak in ONE Championship by tuning into ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2, live in U.S. primetime and free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.