Reigning and undisputed ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly of the United States is one of the most successful combat sports athletes in the world today, particularly in jiu-jitsu, where she reigns supreme in the world's largest martial arts organization.
But when she told her late father she had planned on making the transition to mixed martial arts, he advised her against it.
Speaking on a guest appearance on The Few Will Hunt show, Kelly talked about that conversation she had with her dad.
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The 28-year-old said:
"No one's going to watch a girl fight. My dad was one of those guys, so I'm sorry dad, but he was basically like, no one watches that, so don't do fighting. He was so supportive, but he was basically just saying and he likes boxing. So he was like, there are no girls at boxing. You're not going to make money. Like, no one's going to watch you."
Kelly has not completely closed the door on transitioning to MMA though, and in ONE Championship, it's certainly possible.
How amazing would it be to see Kelly throw down with the best atomweights in the world in MMA? Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on Danielle Kelly's career.
Danielle Kelly to make first defense of atomweight gold against dangerous Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video
Danielle Kelly will put her ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world title on the line for the first time against Brazil's Mayssa Bastos.
The two lock horns in the co-main event at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.
The event broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Aug. 2.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video.