“The connection was right away” - Mayssa Bastos knew she wanted to become jiu-jitsu world champ early in her career

Decorated jiu-jitsu star and multi-time world champion Mayssa Bastos of Brazil knew almost immediately as she stepped on the mats that she wanted to be the best in the sport.

The 26-year-old phenom said she felt an instant connection with 'the gentle art' when she first started training years ago. Today, she is one of the most accomplished women in the discipline.

Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Bastos described what it felt like when she first discovered jiu-jitsu.

The Brazilian star said:

"The connection was right away. I liked it since the first time I stepped on the mat and wanted to do it every day. In a short period, I already knew what I wanted. I wanted to be a black belt and world champion. It was very fast in my head of wanting to pursue a career in jiu-jitsu."

Now, Bastos is making her way through the world's largest martial arts organization and wants to prove that she's the best grappler at 115 pounds.

This weekend, she gets the chance to do just that against reigning queen Danielle Kelly.

Mayssa Bastos can't wait to step into the ring with Danielle Kelly at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video

Multi-time BJJ world champion Mayssa Bastos of Brazil is set to face reigning atomweight queen Danielle Kelly of the United States for the women's atomweight submission grappling world title.

The two lock horns in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video. The showdown broadcasts live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Aug. 2.

Active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America can catch all the action live and free. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the updates coming from fight week.