“I’ll be ready for a rematch” - Danielle Kelly vows to reclaim lost crown, wants another go-around with Mayssa Bastos

Danielle Kelly plans to keep her rivalry with Mayssa Bastos going no matter what.

The American star relinquished the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title to Bastos via unanimous decision following an intense back-and-forth matchup in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24.

The historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok became the backdrop for the pair of submission masters' enthralling contest for the throne. Despite her best efforts, Kelly fell short and Bastos became the first Brazilian fighter to hold a ONE submission grappling world title.

After reflecting on her emotions, Danielle Kelly posted on Instagram to share her sentiments about the match and reveal that she would take a short break before calling for a rematch against Bastos.

She wrote:

"Bad day at work but I proved once again I belong at the top. Years ago, I would’ve shut down. Today went head to head against the number one 115lb grappler who’s beaten everyone in the weight class. I may not agree but I’ll be ready for a rematch and will improve. Thank you everyone I’m gonna enjoy the rest of my summer and get back to work."

While their match didn't end in a definitive submission, Kelly and Bastos put on one of the most exhilarating submission grappling matches this year.

Both fighters aggressively hunted for that match-ending submission, with Kelly the first to be awarded a catch when she trapped Bastos in a heel hook. Bastos, though, rallied and referee Herb Dean awarded her with a catch when she slapped on a leg lock.

The final minute saw both fighters going for that Hail Mary submission hold, but the final bell was rung and Bastos earned the nod from all three judges to capture the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title.

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Mayssa Bastos says she only needed a few more seconds to submit Danielle Kelly

There are no arguments that the match Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos put on at ONE Fight Night 24 was one of the most exciting fights in the card.

Their mad dash to secure that submission win had the Bangkok crowd enthralled throughout the entire 10-minute fight, and Bastos believes she would've submitted Kelly if time hadn't run out.

Bastos said in her post-fight interview:

"I feel like my last catch was the best catch of the match. So I feel like if we maybe had a little bit more time, I would [have been] able to [finish her]."