“I’ll never take easy matches” - Danielle Kelly promises to work her way back to the world title after falling short against Mayssa Bastos

Danielle Kelly isn't letting her latest loss stop her from chasing greatness.

The former ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion failed in her bid to reclaim the gold when she fell to Mayssa Bastos via unanimous decision in their world title rematch at ONE Fight Night 26.

Following her defeat this past weekend at Lumpinee Stadium, Kelly took to Facebook to express her desire to return to the throne she once had.

Danielle Kelly wrote she would take a bit of a break during the holidays before mounting another charge at the ONE atomweight submission grappling world championship.

She posted:

"When I got offered the rematch I was traveling doing seminars and not training much. I took the rematch not knowing when I’d compete next (not in my control & would’ve been sidelined) since the first match was close. I didn’t have a proper camp month half notice but I’ll be back. I went against back-to-back world champions the last year and a half."

Kelly added:

"I’ll never take easy matches, so I am not sure why some people bother to put others down. I worked so hard to be at the level and stage I am at where others want to be in my spot. I hope to stay active and compete and eventually get at the title, but going to enjoy my Christmas. Love all my fans and supporters in the world."

Kelly and Bastos figured in another drama-filled world title match that served as the perfect sequel to their first match at ONE Fight Night 24.

Bastos secured a submission catch late in the match that ultimately turned the judges' scorecards in her favor.

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Mayssa Bastos believes she was able to dominate Danielle Kelly in world title rematch

Mayssa Bastos and Danielle Kelly are incapable of putting a snoozer of a submission grappling match, and the Brazilian superstar believes her brand of BJJ ultimately reigned supreme at ONE Fight Night 26.

The reigning ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion retained her throne when she scored a convincing unanimous decision win over Kelly in their world title rematch at ONE Fight Night 26.

In her post-fight interview, Bastos said she had no problems asserting her game plan over Danielle Kelly in her first defense of the gold:

"Yeah, I think it was more dominant than last time, and I think I was more dominant than her, for sure," said Bastos.

ONE Fight Night 26 is available on free replay to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.