"I'm going to be overlooked" - Danielle Kelly eager to silence her critics anew against multi-time IBJJF champion Mayssa Bastos

Determination is Danielle Kelly's middle name. The grappling superstar is determined to exceed expectations once again, when she defends her ONE atomweight submission grappling world title on August 2, at ONE Fight Night 24.

The inaugural champion has achieved what no other woman has achieved in the history of submission grappling in ONE Championship. Kelly's well-rounded skillset and strong offensive guard, make her a very dangerous opponent to deal with.

But she's up against another high-level jiu-jitsu practitioner in Mayssa Bastos, who is an unprecedented nine-time IBJJF world champion. Despite the odds, Danielle Kelly is unafraid to challenge even the most accomplished of athletes. Moreover, it's fueling her drive to succeed.

Speaking to ONE, Kelly said:

"I think I'm going to be overlooked, and I can't wait to prove people wrong."

Although Kelly isn't recognized for winning multiple gold medals at the IBJJF worlds, she's elevated a new level of prestige in ONE Championship. She's out grappled and outmaneuvered elite-level black belts from around the world with style, entertainment, and courage.

In a sport that formerly focused a lot on scoring points, Danielle Kelly has more of a submission mindset, which means, she's a lot more dangerous than Mayssa Bastos would perhaps like to admit.

Watch Danielle Kelly put her belt on the line against Brazil's Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24, which airs live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand, in US Primetime.

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"I had nothing" - Winning inaugural atomweight submission grappling belt meant the world to Danielle Kelly after experiencing loss early in her career

Winning the inaugural atomweight submission grappling belt is Danielle Kelly's highest achievement to date.

The 28-year-old superstar grew up having fewer resources and fewer opportunities than her challengers, so defeating Jessa Khan, who had already made a name for herself in the jiu-jitsu scene, felt like a major accomplishment - a feeling she would like to reprise again against Mayssa Bastos.

Speaking to ONE, Kelly reflected:

"It's special because you know where I came from, I had nothing, especially a couple of years ago. I had no support, and her being from a big gym and they're really well-known, it takes a team. It takes a really good team, and the right people in your corner to help you succeed."