3 Reasons Why You Should Be Excited For Danielle Kelly’s Return At ONE Fight Night 7

American grappling sensation Danielle Kelly is fast becoming one of the most likable figures in modern jiu-jitsu thanks to her world-class tools on the canvas and amiable character off it. 

The 27-year-old martial artist, who faces strawweight MMA star Ayaka “Zombie” Miura in a submission grappling match at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video, is fired up to continue her dominant run inside the Circle with her third appearance.

Here are three reasons why Kelly’s return to ONE’s global stage on February 24 shouldn’t be missed.

#1 She Is A Submission Hunter

The Silver Fox BJJ representative’s keen fight IQ means she delivers high-paced, entertaining action every time she competes on the mats.

While some grapplers find success in other methods, such as guard-passing, reversals, and back-takes, Kelly is always on the hunt for a match-winning submission.

Even if her first attempt doesn’t hit the mark, the grappling phenom’s knowledge of her discipline allows her to pursue the tap from a variety of different holds and chokes. 

Some of her go-to methods throughout her career include toeholds, kneebars, heel hooks, and straight ankle locks.

#2 She Is Looking For A ONE World Title

Kelly will put everything on show at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok on February 24, knowing that another impressive win could see her move closer to a shot at the inaugural ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title. 

In her promotional debut, Kelly went toe-to-toe with one of the most highly decorated grapplers in mixed martial arts, Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi, and put her on the backfoot throughout the tie. 

Although that battle in March last year ended in a draw, the American star’s impressive display won her a US$50,000 performance bonus.

In her second appearance, she upped the tempo and put on an even more dominant showing to submit Sambo World Champion Mariia Molchanova.

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Her fight at ONE Fight Night 7 will see her square off against another efficient MMA grappler. But with momentum on her side, fans should expect her to look for another quick win in order to take another step toward her ultimate dream.

#3 She Has An Endless Gas Tank

While she’s recorded plenty of quick submission wins, Kelly’s world-class endurance means she’s just as comfortable slugging it out on the canvas for 10 minutes.

The BJJ black belt has showcased her endurance over the past eight years, using her ruthlessness to break down world-class rivals over time. 

While her submissions may sometimes come to a stall, Kelly never stops putting her rivals in unwanted positions, and she consistently creates a path to their frames, backs, or legs right up to the final bell.

All eyes will be on her cardio and pace again when she faces Miura next month. 

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The Japanese star is yet to lose an MMA match via submission. But with this match being a submission-only bout, the ball will likely be in Kelly’s court.