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Being counted out has always been a familiar feeling for Danielle Kelly.
Even when she defied the odds and became ONE's inaugural atomweight submission grappling world champion, the American BJJ ace somehow found herself outshined by her more credentialed counterparts.
As her first world title defense looms, Kelly finds herself in the same predicament as she will face arguably the most decorated female grappler of this generation.
The Silver Fox BJJ athlete will square off with the prolific Mayssa Bastos in the penultimate match of ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
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On paper, there's no doubt that the nine-time IBJJF world champion is more accomplished than Kelly.
However, the 28-year-old star has made a name for herself by proving people wrong, and she doesn't mind doing it again this Friday.
Danielle Kelly said in an exclusive interview with ONE Championship:
"I am still a huge underdog. I mean, that's not a bad thing. I guess it could be good [as well]. It could be a positive or a negative. But I feel like no one really takes me seriously unless I beat the next girl."
It is worth noting that most pundits dismissed Kelly's chances against Bastos' Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy teammate Jessa Khan last year.
Instead of agreeing with the narrative, the defiant atomweight queen silenced her critics with her defining crowning moment.
The apology should be as loud as the disrespect if Kelly pulls off another stunning win at ONE Fight Night 24.
Danielle Kelly confident she can force Maysa Bastos to yield
Danielle Kelly won't be satisfied with just a decision win in her first world title defense.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native knows the best way to make a statement is to submit her most high-profile adversary yet.
She told Sportskeeda MMA:
"I always want to try and get the finish. Who knows? Maybe I'll just try to catch submissions or something and go on from there. I'm looking forward to try and get the finish."
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
