“They're just numbers to me” - Danielle Kelly remains unfazed by Mayssa Bastos’ status as the best female grappler in the world

On paper, Mayssa Bastos completely beats Danielle Kelly in all areas.

However, the defiant former atomweight submission grappling queen doesn't let the new champion's shiny accolades faze her one bit.

At the end of the day, rankings don't mean much to Kelly, who has always found a way to beat the odds time and time again.

The redemption-seeking fan-favorite will look to reclaim her lost throne this coming Friday when she runs it back with Bastos at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs Rasulov on Prime Video.

After sizing up Bastos in their epic first meeting last August, Danielle Kelly is confident she has what it takes to dethrone the nine-time IBJJF world champion.

The Silver Fox BJJ representative said in an exclusive ONE Championship interview:

"I don't care if she's ranked number 1. It shouldn't matter. She could be number 10 or 1. They're just numbers to me."

Danielle Kelly has truly embraced her underdog mantle. It's not just against the prolific Bastos, either.

The 28-year-old BJJ ace was also counted out when she faced her former tormentor and Bastos' Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy teammate Jessa Khan last year.

Kelly has proven she can rise to the occasion, and we can't wait to see if she'll return to the mountaintop at ONE Fight Night 26.

Prime Video subscribers in North America can watch ONE Fight Night 26 free live as it happens in US Primetime on Dec. 6 from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Danielle Kelly says Mayssa Bastos should not underestimate her guard

Danielle Kelly loves to mix her incredible jiu-jitsu with some good old-fashioned wrestling. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native prefers to do most of her damage using pressure passing and some suffocating top game.

That said, Bastos may try to switch things up and force Kelly on her back. If she does, the American said the atomweight submission grappling world champion will be in for a surprise.

"I'm definitely confident in my guard," Kelly told ONE.

"I think when they're studying me, I feel like they think I don't have a guard because at one point even in the match with Jessa, I made the mistake of not using my lasso leg when she was trying to pass guard."