“I started this stuff” - Danielle Kelly believes she played a pivotal role in helping the growth of women’s BJJ

There's no denying that Danielle Kelly is one of the most recognizable stars in modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The reigning ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion is arguably at the forefront of the development of women's submission grappling, and she believes she played a huge role in the sport's overall growth.

The American star said in an interview with The Few Will Hunt Show that while some people won't give her the credit she deserves, she knows the part she played in helping women achieve their notoriety in BJJ.

Danielle Kelly said:

"I don't like to say that because a lot of people just, don't like to give me credit for some reason. But when I look back, I'm like, yeah I started that stuff. I feel like some kind of effort, or I don't know what the word is, but I basically put women's jiu-jitsu [on the pubic consciousness]."

Kelly was ONE Championship's first female signing in its growing submission grappling scene, and the Philadelphia native made her promotional debut at ONE X.

After settling for a draw against MMA veteran Mei Yamaguchi, Kelly strung together three straight wins against Mariia Molchanova, Ayaka Miura, and Jessa Khan.

Kelly's win over Khan elevated her to superstardom when she became the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion at ONE Fight Night 14.

Watch Kelly's entire interview below:

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Danielle Kelly embraces underdog mentality in world title defense against Mayssa Bastos

Although she's the one sitting on the throne, Danielle Kelly believes she's the underdog in her world title defense against Mayssa Bastos.

Kelly will defend the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title against Bastos in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24 on Aug. 2 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Kelly the nine-time BJJ world champion holds all the advantages against her in their world title showdown.

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 in the lower divisions."

ONE Fight Night 24 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.