Danielle Kelly Opens Up: The Joy of Coaching and Sharing BJJ Wisdom with a New Generation

Danielle Kelly has already made her mark in the world of submission grappling, both as an athlete and a mentor

Her journey from rising talent to world champion is a testament to her skill, resilience, and dedication. Beyond her accomplishments in competition, Kelly’s commitment to mentoring young athletes demonstrates her desire to give back to the sport that has given her so much.

As she continues to chase titles and push her own limits, Kelly’s impact on submission grappling extends far beyond her performances in the ring.

Her role as a coach and mentor has allowed her to shape the next generation of grapplers, instilling in them the values that define her approach to the sport.

For Danielle Kelly, the future holds not only the potential for more titles but also the promise of a lasting legacy in the world of submission grappling.

Danielle Kelly’s Journey to ONE Championship Stardom

Danielle Kelly has quickly risen to prominence as one of the premier athletes in submission grappling, with her talents propelling her to international acclaim.¹

Prior to joining ONE Championship, she was already a respected name in the grappling world, and her performances since signing with the promotion have only added to her impressive résumé.

Kelly made history as ONE Championship’s first-ever women’s atomweight submission grappling world champion, a title that has further solidified her influence and legacy in the sport.

Beyond her achievements on the mat, Kelly’s success has also positioned her as a role model for young grapplers worldwide. She has taken on a new role as a mentor, guiding and inspiring the next generation.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Kelly shared how rewarding it has been to serve as a coach and mentor, especially for young people looking for positive figures to emulate.

The “Cool Feeling” of Mentorship: Kelly’s Approach to Coaching

Kelly’s experience coaching has not only enriched her life but also allowed her to connect with a younger generation in unique and impactful ways.

For Kelly, the opportunity to teach and inspire young athletes comes with a sense of responsibility and fulfillment.

As she explained, being a role model goes beyond teaching grappling techniques—it’s about fostering values like resilience, discipline, and self-confidence.

“It’s cool to try to guide kids, especially the younger generation because they definitely need that,” Kelly said. “They need a role model, a good role model to look up to.”

For Kelly, grappling is not just a sport but a vehicle for positive personal development. Her coaching focuses on cultivating both technical skill and mental fortitude, helping young athletes to face challenges with confidence.

The Road to Becoming ONE Championship’s Atomweight Submission Grappling Champion

Kelly’s journey within ONE Championship began with a challenging debut. She first faced Japanese MMA veteran Mei Yamaguchi, and the match ended in a draw.

Despite the outcome, Kelly’s performance against an experienced opponent like Yamaguchi caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, marking her as a formidable competitor with a promising future in the promotion.

Following her debut, Kelly embarked on a winning streak that showcased her technical prowess and adaptability.

She secured decisive victories over Mariia Molchanova, Ayaka Miura, and Jessa Khan, demonstrating a combination of technical skill, speed, and strategic precision. Each win not only brought her closer to the title but also bolstered her standing as a top athlete in women’s grappling.

Danielle Kelly: Losing to Mayssa Bastos

In her last appearance, Kelly faced off against Mayssa Bastos, a highly skilled Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor with her own impressive record.²

Bastos emerged victorious, handing Kelly her first promotional defeat in ONE Championship. The loss was a moment of reflection for Kelly, who had been riding high on a string of successful performances.

For an athlete of her caliber, such setbacks offer opportunities for growth and learning.

Kelly has expressed her desire to bounce back from this defeat and challenge Bastos again. She is determined to regain her status as champion, using the experience as motivation to improve.

Her resilience in the face of challenges, coupled with her desire to continually evolve, is emblematic of her dedication to the sport.

Balancing Competition with Coaching

As Kelly continues to pursue her competitive goals, she remains committed to her role as a coach. Balancing these two aspects of her life—competing and mentoring—requires careful time management and focus.

Yet, Kelly finds purpose in both arenas, as she sees her coaching work as an extension of her passion for grappling.

By mentoring young grapplers, Kelly also finds renewed inspiration for her own journey. Watching her students progress and develop helps her reconnect with the foundational reasons she fell in love with the sport.

This dual role as both a coach and competitor enriches her experience, as she can apply lessons learned in competition to her coaching, and vice versa.

Why Mentorship Matters in Submission Grappling

Kelly’s mentorship has a deeper significance in the world of submission grappling, where young athletes often face unique challenges.

The sport demands mental toughness, patience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. For young competitors, having a mentor who understands these challenges is invaluable.

As a woman in a male-dominated sport, Kelly’s presence as a mentor is particularly meaningful. She serves as an example for aspiring female grapplers, demonstrating that success is achievable with determination and hard work.

Kelly’s impact on her students goes beyond the mat; she encourages them to believe in their abilities and to pursue their goals, both within the sport and in life.

Danielle Kelly’s Vision for the Future of Submission Grappling

Looking to the future, Kelly envisions a growing community of young athletes who are passionate about submission grappling.³

She hopes that the sport will continue to expand, offering more opportunities for aspiring grapplers to compete and learn. Kelly’s role as a mentor allows her to contribute to this vision by nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment for young athletes.

In addition to coaching, Kelly has expressed interest in working to make submission grappling more accessible. She believes that increased visibility and support for grapplers can help to break down barriers, making it easier for young people to enter the sport.

Kelly’s Path Back to the Title

Kelly’s next goal is clear: she aims to reclaim her position as ONE Championship’s atomweight submission grappling champion. Despite her recent setback, she remains focused on improving her skills and addressing the areas where she fell short in her last bout.

Her competitive spirit and dedication to self-improvement underscore her desire to continue reaching new heights in the sport.

With a possible rematch against Bastos on the horizon, Kelly is more motivated than ever. She has not only learned from her previous experiences but also feels driven to showcase her growth and resilience. For Kelly, the pursuit of a title is as much about personal growth as it is about victory.

Inspiring the Next Generation: A Legacy Beyond Titles

Danielle Kelly’s story goes beyond her achievements in ONE Championship. As she continues her career, her commitment to inspiring the next generation of grapplers is becoming an integral part of her legacy.

Kelly’s influence as a mentor and role model is helping to shape the future of submission grappling, creating a pathway for young athletes to follow.

Kelly’s journey serves as a reminder that success in sports is about more than just titles and accolades; it’s also about using one’s platform to make a positive impact.

Through her dedication to both competing and coaching, Kelly has shown that it is possible to inspire and uplift others while pursuing one’s own goals.

Danielle Kelly’s Road to Redemption at ONE Fight Night 26

Danielle Kelly is ready to make her return to the global stage of ONE Championship and reclaim the women’s atomweight submission grappling world title.

The highly anticipated rematch with Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 26 will see Kelly striving to prove her dominance in the division and regain the championship belt she narrowly lost in August.

Let’s break down the journey leading to this showdown, the challenges each fighter brings, and what fans can expect from this high-stakes event.

ONE Fight Night 24: The Battle That Started It All

• Back in August, the two submission grappling stars, Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos, faced off at ONE Fight Night 24.
• Bastos, a highly decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete, entered as a slight underdog against Kelly, who was considered by many to be the favorite due to her previous performances and vast experience on the mats.
• However, the bout defied expectations, with Bastos putting on an impressive display of skill and strategy, ultimately securing a close unanimous decision victory.
• Her win marked her place as the second-ever women’s atomweight submission grappling world champion in ONE Championship, cementing her status as a rising star in the sport.
• Mayssa Bastos has consistently showcased her technical prowess and tenacity throughout her career, and her title-winning performance against Kelly was no exception.
• Known for her precise technique and ability to control opponents with minimal effort, Bastos has become one of the most feared competitors in women’s jiu-jitsu.
• She is well-versed in both gi and no-gi competition and has earned multiple world championships in various prestigious grappling organizations. Her victory over Kelly was a testament to her resilience and dedication, proving she could compete and win on one of the world’s biggest stages.

Danielle Kelly’s Rise in ONE Championship

Danielle Kelly, a seasoned submission grappler from the United States, has gained significant popularity since joining ONE Championship.

With her aggressive grappling style and exceptional finishing ability, Kelly quickly became a fan favorite.

Known for her aggressive attacks and submission attempts, she has developed a reputation as a formidable competitor who is always hunting for the finish.

Although her loss to Bastos was a setback, Kelly’s history suggests she has both the skills and mindset to make a strong comeback. Her journey in the sport has been marked by consistent improvement, and she now has an opportunity to regain her title and cement her status in the division.

A High-Stakes Rematch: What’s on the Line for Kelly and Bastos

For Danielle Kelly, this rematch represents a chance to reclaim the title and solidify her position at the top of the atomweight division. Her loss in August was a bitter disappointment, but she has had months to refine her techniques and analyze Bastos’s strategy.

Winning the title would not only restore her to the top but also demonstrate her ability to adapt and evolve as a fighter.

For Bastos, a successful title defense would confirm her status as a champion and a top contender in women’s grappling, as well as further establish her reputation on the international stage. Both athletes have everything to gain in this rematch, making it a high-stakes affair for both fighters.

 

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An Iconic Venue for ONE Fight Night 26

ONE Fight Night 26 will take place at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, a revered venue for combat sports enthusiasts.

Located in Bangkok, Thailand, Lumpinee has hosted numerous historical fights and is a symbol of the sport’s rich history and tradition.

The venue’s electrifying atmosphere and passionate fan base are likely to amplify the energy of the event. For Kelly and Bastos, competing at such an iconic venue adds to the prestige of their title bout and further elevates the stakes, as they’ll be performing in front of a global audience and passionate fans eager to witness history in the making.

Strategies for Success

For Danielle Kelly to succeed, she’ll need to bring a calculated approach. While her aggressive style is a major asset, she may need to balance it with strategic restraint to avoid falling into Bastos’s traps.

Kelly could benefit from focusing on disrupting Bastos’s control and looking for quick transitions and opportunities to take advantage of any brief lapses in Bastos’s defenses. Maintaining a high pace without overcommitting will be key for her.

For Mayssa Bastos, the goal will be to stay composed and maintain the patience that allowed her to emerge victorious in their first match. If she can impose her rhythm and limit Kelly’s opportunities for explosive attacks, she’ll be in a strong position to secure another victory.

Bastos’s precise technique and timing will be essential to her game plan, and if she can keep the match within her preferred parameters, she has a good chance of retaining the title.