"I'd be more nervous if I was the favorite" - Danielle Kelly embraces underdog role vs Mayssa Bastos

ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly doesn't mind playing the role of the dark horse in her first world title defense against Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24.

The Silver Fox BJJ athlete has embraced that role from the early days of her career, and it has helped her for the better in overcoming any challenges that – at times – seemed a bit too hard to tackle.

As such, she remains happy to carry the underdog tag, even though she might not be one when she puts her prestigious 26 pounds of gold on the line inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, August 2.

Speaking to Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu, Danielle Kelly noted:

"I think for this match, I've learned not to try and get too emotional right now. I'd rather like whatever. I just wanna be the underdog."

The 28-year-old continued:

"I think I'd be more nervous if I were the favorite to win because then it gives my opponent more leverage, or, you know, they want to prove themselves."

Watch the full interview here:

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Mayssa Bastos focused on her strengths ahead of world title tilt versus Danielle Kelly

Bastos, of course, is no pushover. The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy athlete has been there and done it throughout the Brazilian jiu-jitsu scene, where she has amassed nine world titles alongside some iconic wins against world-class grapplers.

In her promotional debut, the 26-year-old saw off a stiff test from Japan's Kanae Yamada at ONE Fight Night 20 this past March.

Now, she aims to bring a better arsenal and capture Danielle Kelly's ONE atomweight submission grappling world title that will be up for grabs in the co-main event of the August 2 card.

Speaking to Combate, the multi-time world champion noted:

"I try not to focus so much on her game. I know what she does, but my focus is improving my jiu-jitsu. The focus is on me, to show a better version of myself."

North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch the entire ONE Fight Night 24 card live in U.S. primetime for free.