“She's gonna take it seriously” - Danielle Kelly believes she’s a legit test for Mayssa Bastos

Danielle Kelly is an undeniably strong competitor, and she aims to prove that in her world title defense against game contender Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 this Friday, August 2.

Achieving a solid record run in ONE, Kelly claimed the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world title to make her mark with the organization and boosting her status as one of the best ground specialists in the world.

Now. she faces what seems to be the biggest challenge in her career, as Bastos is also a decorated female BJJ world champion in her own rights.

Before they clash to co-headline the event inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium, Kelly shared that she does not mind to be the underdog. She knew that Bastos would look past her, and she's not concerned at all. She told ONE Championship:

"No. I mean when the match starts, she's gonna take it seriously. Like, she's a multiple-time world champion and everything."

She added:

"But, yeah, I feel like it's kind of a positive for me because I'll just go in there and just kinda surprise them. So, I’ve rolled with girls a lot that have been traveling or competing a lot, and I think after they roll with me, they have to take it seriously the next round."

Can Kelly defend her title and continue her reign, or will Bastos snatched the coveted belt into her possession?

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Danielle Kelly wants to cement her legacy in ONE Championship

As the top atomweight submission grappler in the world's largest martial arts organization, Danielle Kelly is not going to waste her time at ONE Fight Night 24 on Friday, August 2.

In fact, the Silver Fox BJJ athlete does not want to be called underdog everytime she goes into a match, and she intends to prove that by defending her world title against renowned BJJ world champion Mayssa Bastos.

This drive came from her determination, as she told ONE:

"I just don't think I get enough credit. I'm also a huge underdog, which I expected because she wins alot of stuff at the lower divisions. I think I'm going to be overlooked, and I can't wait to prove people wrong."

ONE Fight Night 24 is available live and for free in U.S. primetime for those with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription in North America.