"Our queen of BJJ" - Fans already gearing up for Danielle Kelly's redemption arc after falling short against Mayssa Bastos

American BJJ specialist Danielle Kelly has fallen short of reclaiming the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title against rival Mayssa Bastos in their championship rematch at ONE Fight Night 26 last Dec. 6 inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 29-year-old absorbed a tough unanimous decision loss after the Brazilian secured the only clear submission catch late in the 10-minute bout, which secured her the victory.

Following the setback, the former atomweight queen penned a lengthy Facebook post that detailed her preparation during camp and her promise of bouncing back, as she wrote:

"When I got offered the rematch, I was traveling doing seminars and not training much. I took the rematch, knowing when I'd compete next (not in my control & would've been side lined) 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 last year and a half. 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. ❤️🫶"

Fans also showed their love for the Philadelphia native, as users Quwmae Johnson, Chad Landen, Char Char LaRose, and Alex Sal spearheaded the message of support for Kelly through their comments:

"Let's enjoy the holidays and back in the lab after! You had a busy year! Can't wait to see what's next, 🐐💚🫶"

"We love you DK. We already look forward to your next match. You'll always be our Champion, you'll always be our Queen of BJJ."

"You'll be back champ, I think you will come back with the same attitude and performance you did when you won the One belt. Getting to grapple in a cage is huge, keep working to use that to your advantage"

"Nothing to be ashamed of, Mayssa is a tough and experienced opponent. It was a great match, and it's close."

Screenshot of fans' comments

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Mayssa Bastos on Danielle Kelly's title aspirations

Following her second straight victory over the Silver Fox BJJ representative, Bastos shared her thoughts about Kelly's path back to world title contention.

According to the Art of Jiu-Jitsu representative, the 29-year-old must win several matches to earn another crack at the covered 26-pound golden belt.

She shared this during her post-event interview by saying:

"I don't know. But I would like to fight other people first, then I think she needs to fight and climb back again to deserve to try for the belt."