WATCH: Find out the two short-lived careers Danielle Kelly had before falling back in love with Brazilian jiu-jitsu

ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly was not always the Brazilian jiu-jitsu monster that she is today. Surprisingly, she had short stints as both a ring girl and a waitress.

Kelly has opened up on this experience a few times on social media. She recently shared that the reason behind this sudden career change was because of personal tragedies.

However, her fighting spirit shone through and this renewed commitment to her craft turned Kelly into the undeniable submission grappling star that ONE Championship fans know today.

Check out Kelly's journey from ring girl and waitress to ONE world champion below as shared by ONE on Instagram.

In September 2023, Kelly fought for the inaugural ONE atomweight submission grappling world championship against former foe Jessa Khan in their long-awaited rematch.

This time, Kelly claimed revenge via unanimous decision in one of her best performances under the ONE banner.

Now, the Silver Fox BJJ and Evolve MMA product will defend her atomweight submission grappling crown against nine-time BJJ world champion Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 on Friday, August 2, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

Danielle Kelly oozing with confidence ahead of first ONE world title defense

Though Mayssa Bastos is a tough draw for her first defense, Danielle Kelly expects to come out on top inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 28-year-old said as much in an interview with Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu:

"I'm pretty well aware of what she's good at because she does the same thing. But it's just like, you know, like anyone else that's going to walk into a match, she's beatable."

Watch the full interview with Danielle Kelly below:

ONE Fight Night 24 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.