‘The Fight Will End In Submission’ – Mayssa Bastos Plans To Finish Danielle Kelly In World Title Clash
Decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Mayssa Bastos will soon look to add the most prestigious belt to her jam-packed trophy case. She is set to challenge American superstar Danielle Kelly for her ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title, live in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.
That 10-minute submission-only showdown will take place on August 2 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand – and represents the absolute pinnacle of elite grappling.
A nine-time IBJJF World Champion, Bastos is widely recognized as the sport’s greatest-ever competitor in the lightest divisions. She’s built that reputation on the strength of her world-renowned guard game and unstoppable berimbolo – an advanced technique that involves spinning upside-down to take the opponent’s back.
But at the same time, the 26-year-old recognizes that Kelly is equally dangerous from her guard, although she prefers to attack leg locks rather than hunt for the back.
Considering each grappler’s well-rounded skillset, Bastos says she must be prepared for any and all situations in this World Title clash.
She told onefc.com:
“Our styles are very different, which makes the fight very interesting. We both play guard, but our guard styles are different. I do a lot of berimbolo and like to attack the back. She likes to attack legs more. But, I think I have a good top game. I play guard well and I can also pass guard well… I have to be sharp in all areas.”
Despite her impressive resume outside of ONE, Bastos has competed just one time in the world’s largest martial arts organization – a hard-fought decision win over Kanae Yamada in March at ONE Fight Night 20.
She admits that Kelly, with her sterling four-match unbeaten record in ONE, holds the experience edge when it comes to ONE’s submission grappling ruleset that emphasizes aggression and legitimate submission attempts above all else.
While Bastos is certainly preparing a specific game plan to defeat the titleholder, she says that her primary focus remains her own jiu-jitsu:
“She is very active in ONE events and she knows how to use the rules to her advantage, so that makes her very dangerous. I believe that is her strong point.
“I am still studying her game, so the weaknesses that I saw in her game I will keep to myself, for now. But, I really believe in the work my team does. I try not to focus so much on her game. I know what she does, but the focus is on improving my jiu-jitsu so that I can show high-level jiu-jitsu when I fight. The focus is on me, showing a better version of myself.”
Ultimately, the Brazilian aims to not only defeat Kelly and leave Bangkok with 26 pounds of gold in tow, but to do so with an unforgettable submission finish.
She added:
“I think the fight will end in submission – at least that will be my goal from start to finish. I don’t know where the submission will come from, but I give you the certainty of seeking control of the fight until the submission.”
Bastos Embraces ‘Incredible Opportunity’ Of World Title Shot
As one of the most accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors the sport has ever seen, Mayssa Bastos knows her resume is incomplete without a World Title in ONE Championship.
She’s overjoyed to be challenging Danielle Kelly in just her second appearance in the organization:
“It’s an incredible opportunity! I’ve always wanted and seen myself fighting in ONE. I was just waiting for an opportunity. This will be my second fight in ONE, and to already be fighting for the title is just incredible.”
For an athlete like Bastos, who has already established herself as a true pound-for-pound great, a ONE World Title means earning the global recognition she deserves.
Now, as fans look forward to this high-stakes showdown at ONE Fight Night 24, the Brazilian is excited to showcase her immense talent on the biggest platform in martial arts:
“Winning this title would bring recognition to the work I have done. Since ONE is a platform with global reach, it will help a lot. It would be great to show the world what I love to do and inspire people.”
