The first world title defense of Danielle Kelly against Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24 was a showcase of elite grappling talent. Both athletes demonstrated their skills, determination, and resilience in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats
The event highlighted the growing prominence of submission grappling in the martial arts world and set the stage for future exciting bouts.
This match will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the careers of both Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos. For Kelly, it was a validation of her championship status and a testament to her abilities as a grappler.
For Bastos, it was an opportunity to prove herself against a top-tier opponent and lay the groundwork for future success. The legacy of their clash will inspire upcoming athletes and contribute to the evolution of submission grappling in the global martial arts landscape.
Danielle Kelly’s successful title defense against Mayssa Bastos was a thrilling and technically rich encounter that showcased the best of submission grappling. The bout’s intensity, strategic depth, and high-level skill made it a memorable event in the world of martial arts.
Also Read: Live Round-by-Round Updates: UFC 304 & Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad
Table of Contents
Mayssa Bastos vs. Danielle Kelly: The Battle for Dominance
The first world title defense of ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly took place on Saturday morning at ONE Fight Night 24.1
Kelly faced the formidable challenge of nine-time IBJFF champion Mayssa Bastos. The two elite grapplers showcased their skills in front of an eager audience inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Their clash was marked by intense, high-level exchanges and numerous submission attempts.
Round One: Initial Aggression
The bout began with Bastos attempting to grab Kelly’s leg, but Kelly quickly countered with aggressive strikes.
Bastos pulled Kelly’s leg again, aiming for a back take, but Kelly’s defense proved resilient. Within the first two minutes, Bastos secured a half-guard position from her back, setting the stage for a tactical grappling battle.
Kelly managed to escape Bastos’ hold and focused on defending against various leg locks. The first significant scramble of the match occurred around the 6:45 mark, highlighting both athletes’ agility and technical prowess.
Kelly, now in a dominant position, began seeking submission opportunities from the top, though Bastos’ defense remained steadfast.
Nice Fake Shot To Take The Back: http://t.co/LcXhtKayjV
— Danielle Kelly (@KellyWrestling) April 17, 2015
Threatening Submissions: The Heel Hook
- In the second half of the bout, Kelly stepped through Bastos’ legs and threatened the first major submission attempt with a heel hook.
- Bastos’ defensive skills were on full display as she fended off the attack, but the momentum had clearly shifted in Kelly’s favor.
- Despite Kelly’s aggressive attempts, Bastos continued to maneuver for potential leg lock submissions. At the 1:25 mark, Bastos caught Kelly with another leg lock attempt, evening the scorecard and adding tension to the closing moments of the match.
- With less than a minute remaining, both athletes intensified their efforts, hoping to secure a decisive submission.
- The flurry of leg lock attacks from both sides captivated the audience, but neither competitor could force a tap-out. As the final buzzer sounded, the match’s outcome rested in the hands of the judges.
- The judges’ scorecards were needed to determine the winner of this closely contested bout. The back-and-forth action and high-level grappling displayed by both Kelly and Bastos made for an enthralling fight.
- The official result declared Danielle Kelly as the victor, successfully defending her ONE atomweight submission grappling world title in a thrilling and hard-fought battle.
Mayssa Bastos vs. Danielle Kelly: Technical Analysis
Danielle Kelly’s ability to defend against Bastos’ leg locks was a critical factor in her victory. Her strategic movement and awareness allowed her to neutralize potential threats and maintain control.2
This defensive prowess demonstrated her deep understanding of grappling mechanics and her ability to stay composed under pressure.
Bastos’ Offensive Strategies
Mayssa Bastos’ offensive strategies centered around her expertise in leg locks. Her persistent attacks kept Kelly on the defensive and showcased her technical proficiency.
Bastos’ ability to secure advantageous positions and threaten with submissions added a layer of complexity to the match, highlighting her tactical acumen.
The numerous scrambles throughout the bout were pivotal moments that tested the athletes’ agility and decision-making skills.
These dynamic exchanges often shifted the momentum and created opportunities for submissions. Both Kelly and Bastos displayed exceptional scrambling abilities, contributing to the match’s excitement and unpredictability.
The Aftermath: Future Implications
With her successful title defense, Danielle Kelly remains the ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion. Her victory solidifies her status as a top competitor and sets the stage for future challenges.
The question now is who will step up to face Kelly next. Potential contenders will need to bring their best to dethrone the reigning champion.
Despite her loss, Mayssa Bastos has proven herself as a worthy challenger. Her performance against Kelly will likely earn her another opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Bastos’ technical skills and relentless pursuit of victory make her a formidable opponent in the atomweight division. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how she rebounds from this match.
Also Read: Shilese Jones Opens Up About Injury at U.S. Olympic Trials and Reveals Ambitious Goal for LA 2028
Mayssa Bastos: The New Champion
Mayssa Bastos emerged victorious in the bout, defeating Danielle Kelly via unanimous decision. This win not only earned her the title but also marked her second victory under ONE Championship.3
Bastos’s performance was characterized by her aggressive approach and technical skill, which proved to be decisive in the outcome of the fight.
Aggressive Performance
Throughout the 10-minute bout, Bastos exhibited a high level of aggression. She consistently pressed the action, employing a series of leg lock attacks that kept Kelly on the defensive.
This aggressive strategy was instrumental in securing the judges’ favorable decision, as it showcased Bastos’s control and dominance in the match.
Technical Mastery
Bastos’s background as a nine-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion was evident in her performance. Her technical mastery allowed her to effectively implement her game plan and apply pressure on Kelly.
The leg lock attacks were particularly notable, demonstrating her advanced understanding of submission grappling and her ability to execute complex techniques under pressure.
Danielle Kelly’s Performance
Danielle Kelly, the former champion, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short.
Her performance was marked by resilience and skill, but Bastos’s aggressive approach and technical execution proved to be more effective on this occasion.
Resilient Effort
Kelly’s resilience was apparent throughout the fight. Despite the continuous pressure from Bastos, she managed to defend against several submission attempts and maintained a competitive edge.
Her ability to withstand the aggressive attacks and continue fighting highlighted her determination and skill as a grappler.
Kelly faced significant challenges in dealing with Bastos’s aggressive tactics. The frequent leg lock attacks and pressure exerted by Bastos created a difficult environment for Kelly to mount an effective offense.
While Kelly demonstrated strong defensive skills, she was unable to fully capitalize on opportunities to turn the tide of the match in her favor.
View this post on Instagram
The $50,000 Bonus
Following her victory, Mayssa Bastos was awarded a $50,000 bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
This bonus was a recognition of her outstanding performance and an additional reward for her achievement in the atomweight division.
The $50,000 bonus not only added to the financial rewards of Bastos’s victory but also underscored the significance of her performance.
It reflected the high level of competition and the appreciation for exceptional skill and dedication in ONE Championship. For Bastos, this bonus represented both a financial benefit and a validation of her hard work and talent.
Impact on the Atomweight Division
- Mayssa Bastos’s victory and subsequent title win have significant implications for the atomweight submission grappling division.
- Her win over Danielle Kelly represents a major shift in the division’s hierarchy and sets the stage for future matchups and rivalries.
- With Bastos now holding the title, there is a notable shift in the atomweight division. Her win signifies the end of Kelly’s reign as the champion and introduces a new era in the division.
- This change in leadership brings new dynamics and possibilities for future competitions and title defenses.
- Bastos’s victory opens the door for new challengers and potential matchups in the atomweight division. As the new champion, she will likely face a range of contenders eager to test their skills against her.
- The evolving landscape of the division will provide exciting opportunities for both Bastos and her future opponents.
ONE Championship’s Continued Growth
ONE Fight Night 24 was a testament to the continued growth and prominence of ONE Championship in the world of martial arts.
The event showcased high-level competition and provided a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills on a global stage.
Global Platform
ONE Championship’s events, such as ONE Fight Night 24, offer a significant global platform for athletes to compete and gain recognition.
The organization’s commitment to showcasing diverse martial arts disciplines and promoting international talent contributes to its growing influence and reach in the global sports community.
Promoting Excellence
- By hosting events like ONE Fight Night 24 and awarding bonuses to standout performers, ONE Championship continues to promote excellence and celebrate the achievements of its athletes.
- The recognition and rewards provided by the organization help to elevate the profile of martial arts and inspire future generations of competitors.
- ONE Fight Night 24 was a landmark event in the world of submission grappling, with Mayssa Bastos emerging as the new ONE atomweight submission grappling world champion.
- Her victory over Danielle Kelly, marked by a decisive unanimous decision and an aggressive performance, highlights her skill and dedication.
- The $50,000 bonus and the shift in the atomweight division’s hierarchy add to the significance of the event, reflecting the ongoing evolution and excitement within ONE Championship.
