Last weekend, Danielle Kelly could not defend her ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title against Brazilian sensation Mayssa Bastos. In a thrilling ground battle at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium, Bastos secured a unanimous decision victory over Kelly in a back-and-forth exchange of high-level submission attempts.

Despite the disappointment of losing her title to Mayssa Bastos, Danielle Kelly expressed her determination in an Instagram post. She vowed to prove herself again against Bastos and reclaim her lost title, stating, “Bad day at work but I proved once again I belong at the top. Years ago, I would’ve shut down. Today went head to head against #1 115lb grappler who’s beaten everyone in the weight class.” 

Kelly further emphasized her desire for a rematch, adding, “I may not agree but I’ll be ready for a rematch and will improve. Thank you everyone I’m gonna enjoy the rest of my summer and get back to work.”

Meanwhile, since she arrived in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Kelly has consistently impressed with her performances. After a thrilling draw with former ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title challenger Mei Yamaguchi in her promotional debut at ONE X back in March 2022, she scored back-to-back wins to establish her position at the top of the division.

In September 2023, she defeated former rival Jessa Khan at ONE Fight Night 13 to claim the inaugural belt. 

Meanwhile, Mayssa Bastos joined ONE Championship in 2024, defeating Kanae Yamada at ONE Fight Night 20. Before entering the promotion, Bastos had accumulated an impressive 115-win record. She was a nine-time IBJJF World Champion in both gi and no-gi and held multiple Pan-American, Brazilian National, and European championship titles.

Fans show empathy to Danielle Kelly

The fans in the comment section supported Danielle Kelly, as she affirmed her demand for a rematch. One fan commented, “That’s right. Onward. Proud of you. Rematch required.” The American’s home gym, Silver Fox BJJ, offered their appreciation to their star, commenting, “Good job. I thought you won this one.”

More fans joined the comment section to motivate their favorite BJJ star. One fan appreciated Danielle Kelly’s current performance against Mayssa Bastos and claimed she would excel in the rematch, saying “Amazing work, attacked the entire match a rematch should definitely be looked great homie.”

Another fan expressed disappointment over the judges’ decision, claiming Kelly won the fight, not Bastos. They commented, “You got robbed, let’s be real, you won the fight. Run it back and show them who’s boss.”

Another fan also voiced the same sentiment, claiming that Danielle dominated the fight for most of the minutes, commenting, “You won lady. Her “catch” was flash, and you were on top nine of the whole ten minutes! You (were) robbed, champ!” 

What are your thoughts on the Danielle Kelly vs Mayssa Bastos fight for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Championship? Let us know your comments.