As the countdown to Dec. 6 continues, the question remains: Can Danielle Kelly flip the script and reclaim her spot atop the division, or will Mayssa Bastos once again assert her dominance?
Whatever the outcome, this rematch promises to deliver drama, skill, and a glimpse into the future of submission grappling. The world will be watching as two of the sport’s best step onto the mat to settle the score.
Danielle Kelly is gearing up for one of the most pivotal rematches of her career at ONE Fight Night 26. After a narrow unanimous decision loss to Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 24, the Silver Fox BJJ star is determined to make her next performance a statement.
This rematch isn’t just a fight—it’s a shot at reclaiming her dominance in the submission grappling scene and potentially securing the ONE atomweight submission grappling world title.
In their first encounter, Kelly faced the nine-time IBJJF world champion Bastos with a level of hesitation that cost her the bout. While Kelly didn’t openly criticize the decision, she acknowledges her own mindset was a factor.
“I kinda put myself in a negative position where I was like, ‘Oh, man. She’s this and that,’” Kelly said in a post-fight interview. Her tendency to place Bastos on a pedestal hindered her performance, making it clear that mental preparation plays as crucial a role as physical readiness in high-stakes matches.
Also Read: Danielle Kelly Opens Up: The Joy of Coaching and Sharing BJJ Wisdom with a New Generation
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Danielle Kelly Eyes Redemption Against Mayssa Bastos
Danielle Kelly is ready to reclaim her spot at the pinnacle of submission grappling.1
After a surprising defeat at the hands of Mayssa Bastos in August, which cost her the ONE atomweight submission grappling world championship, Kelly is set for an electrifying rematch on Friday, Dec. 6, at ONE Fight Night 26, taking place at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
Despite the setback, Kelly’s focus remains razor-sharp. For her, it’s not about rankings or records—it’s about redemption and proving she’s still the queen of atomweight submission grappling.
When Danielle Kelly stepped onto the mat against Mayssa Bastos in August, few expected the reigning champion to lose her title. But Bastos, a seasoned Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with a decorated career, delivered a stellar performance to dethrone Kelly.
The defeat marked Kelly’s first loss under the ONE Championship banner, a blemish on what had been an otherwise stellar career in submission grappling. However, instead of dwelling on the loss, Kelly has used it as motivation to fuel her comeback.
Rankings Don’t Define Her
While many athletes obsess over rankings and records, Kelly remains indifferent to such accolades. Speaking about her mindset ahead of the rematch, she emphasized her focus on reclaiming the title and settling the score with Bastos.
“Well, one is getting my belt back. But, two, it’s definitely beating Mayssa, because, again, I don’t care about the numbers and rankings,” Kelly shared during a recent interview.
This mindset highlights Kelly’s laser focus on personal and competitive growth rather than external validation.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Danielle Kelly as she prepares to step into Lumpinee Stadium on Dec. 6. Known as a hub for martial arts history and tradition, the iconic venue adds an extra layer of prestige to the event.
For Kelly, leaving the arena with the 26-pound ONE world championship belt around her waist will symbolize more than just a victory—it will mark the culmination of her resilience and determination.
Winning back the title would also make her the first-ever two-time submission grappling world champion in ONE Championship history, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
Mayssa Bastos: The Challenges
Reclaiming the title won’t come easy. Mayssa Bastos is one of the most technically sound and accomplished grapplers in the sport today.2
Her ability to control positions, exploit openings, and execute flawless submissions was on full display during her championship victory over Kelly.
Bastos’ win was no fluke; it was a testament to her preparation, skill, and strategy. If Kelly is to emerge victorious in their rematch, she’ll need to bring her A-game and adapt to Bastos’ style.
In grappling, every loss presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Danielle Kelly has undoubtedly dissected her performance against Bastos to identify areas for improvement.
From refining her defensive techniques to enhancing her offensive strategies, Kelly is likely leaving no stone unturned in her preparations. Fans can expect to see a sharper, more determined version of her on Dec. 6.
The Legacy of Lumpinee Stadium
Lumpinee Stadium, renowned for its rich history in combat sports, serves as the perfect stage for this high-stakes rematch. While the venue is primarily associated with Muay Thai, its inclusion in ONE Championship events has elevated its status in the world of mixed martial arts and grappling.
For Kelly, competing at such a prestigious location adds to the magnitude of the occasion. A victory here would not only secure her redemption but also etch her name in the annals of martial arts history.
Submission grappling has rapidly gained traction in the martial arts world, thanks in part to ONE Championship’s efforts to showcase the discipline. Athletes like Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos have played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport, bringing technical brilliance and exciting matchups to fans worldwide.
This rematch is a testament to the growing significance of submission grappling within ONE’s diverse roster of combat sports.
Mayssa Bastos: Fan Expectations for the Rematch
The upcoming bout between Kelly and Bastos has all the makings of a classic. Fans are eager to see how Kelly adapts to Bastos’ style and whether Bastos can maintain her dominance.3
Both athletes bring contrasting strengths to the mat—Kelly’s aggressive style versus Bastos’ calculated precision—making this rematch a compelling clash of styles.
Beyond the championship belt, this fight represents a critical juncture in Danielle Kelly’s career. A victory would restore her status as the division’s top grappler and further solidify her legacy. A loss, on the other hand, could force her to reassess her approach and climb back up the ranks.
Kelly’s determination to reclaim the title and even the score with Bastos reflects her warrior spirit and unyielding commitment to excellence.
Mayssa Bastos: Promotion
Mayssa Bastos often promoting The Atlas Brand’s new collections on her official instagram account.
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The Path Forward for Submission Grappling
Regardless of the outcome, the rematch between Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos underscores the growing prominence of submission grappling in global martial arts. As more athletes enter the spotlight, the discipline is poised to attract a broader audience and elevate its status in the combat sports hierarchy.
Kelly’s journey, filled with highs and lows, serves as an inspiration to aspiring grapplers and a testament to the resilience required to succeed at the highest level.
On Dec. 6, Danielle Kelly will step onto the mat with one goal in mind: to reclaim her place at the top of the atomweight submission grappling division. With her eyes set on redemption and her heart focused on the challenge ahead, she’s ready to leave it all on the mat at Lumpinee Stadium.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the world will be watching as Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos clash in one of the most anticipated rematches in submission grappling history.
Mayssa Bastos: The Unshakable Champion
On the other hand, Mayssa Bastos has proven time and again why she’s a force to be reckoned with in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Her world titles and adaptability in high-pressure situations have solidified her status as one of the sport’s elite.
Bastos will undoubtedly aim to prove that her victory over Kelly wasn’t a one-time event but a demonstration of her superior skill set.
Kelly has emphasized that her approach in the rematch will be vastly different. Instead of being weighed down by her opponent’s accolades, she plans to bring her aggressive style to the forefront.
“This time around, I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just gonna go after her this time,” Kelly confidently stated. This shift in mindset could be the key to turning the tables against Bastos.
Keys to Victory for Danielle Kelly
For Kelly to avenge her loss, she needs to focus on several key strategies:
- Aggression from the Start: Kelly has already stated her intention to go after Bastos. An aggressive start could disrupt Bastos’ rhythm and give Kelly an early advantage.
- Control the Pace: Bastos thrives in methodical, technical exchanges. Kelly must dictate the pace and force Bastos into scrambles where she can capitalize on openings.
- Improved Defense: Bastos’ ability to secure dominant positions was a defining factor in their first match. Kelly will need to sharpen her defensive game to avoid giving Bastos an edge.
Mayssa Bastos: Aiming to Cement Her Legacy
For Bastos, this rematch represents an opportunity to solidify her claim as the premier atomweight grappler in ONE Championship.
A decisive victory over Kelly would not only reinforce her dominance but also establish her as a crossover star in the submission grappling world.
This isn’t just a match between two athletes; it’s a clash of styles, mentalities, and legacies. For Kelly, it’s about redemption and proving she belongs at the top. For Bastos, it’s about defending her throne and silencing any doubts.
The Evolution of Women’s Submission Grappling
The rematch between Kelly and Bastos highlights the growing prominence of women’s submission grappling in mixed martial arts.
As events like ONE Fight Night showcase these athletes on a global stage, the sport continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of competitors.
Fans from the United States and Canada are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes showdown. With the fight airing live on Amazon Prime Video in U.S. primetime, the exposure for both athletes and the sport is unparalleled.
