“She knows how to use the rules” - Mayssa Bastos says experienced Danielle Kelly tough to crack

Nine-time IBJJF world champion Mayssa Bastos is leaving no stones unturned ahead of her first world title match in ONE Championship.

Slated to clash with ONE atomweight submission grappling queen Danielle Kelly at ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2, Bastos knows that her opponent would be extremely dangerous inside the squared Circle in Lumpinee Stadium.

Although the Brazilian marked her debut with a unanimous decision over Japanese grappler Kanae Yamada, she realizes that Kelly has an edge in terms of ONE's submission grappling ruleset.

Speaking to ONE Championship in an interview, Bastos explained that she will still focus on her own game plan:

“She is very active in ONE events and she knows how to use the rules to her advantage, so that makes her very dangerous. I believe that is her strong point."

She added:

“I am still studying her game, so the weaknesses that I saw in her game I will keep to myself, for now. But, I really believe in the work my team does. I try not to focus so much on her game. I know what she does, but the focus is on improving my jiu-jitsu so that I can show high-level jiu-jitsu when I fight. The focus is on me, showing a better version of myself.”

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Danielle Kelly plans to shut down critics when facing Mayssa Bastos

On the other end, Danielle Kelly plans to prove that she deserves to be at the top of the BJJ world when she defends her world title against Mayssa Bastos.

When speaking to ONE Championship, Kelly mentioned that Bastos will be the favorite during their fight.

However, she has got a plan of her own:

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

Catch ONE Fight Night 24 live in U.S. primetime, absolutely free of charge for Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America.