Mayssa Bastos has torn through the competition in the grappling world, but she may not have started on that path if she had to do it alone.

At ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Friday, August 2, the Brazilian grappler is set to compete for the biggest prize of her career when she challenges Danielle Kelly for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Championship at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mayssa Bastos’s early passion for Martial Arts and supportive parents

Bastos looked back at the beginning of her career in a recent interview with ONE and discussed how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t the only sport she took a liking to.

“I was a very shy child. I’m still quite shy, and I don’t think I’ve ever made many friends because of that. I liked to practice different sports,” she said.

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“I tried surfing, but I started judo and jiu-jitsu when I was very young, and that’s where I found myself. To be honest, I don’t remember much, but I liked to play and go to the beach. I still really like going to the beach.”

Despite enjoying other activities, Bastos’ interest in the grappling arts was clear from the start, so her mother and father pushed her all the way while providing everything she needed to succeed.

Eventually, the burgeoning star would become a multiple-time World Champion, who was able to support herself. But she never fails to acknowledge what her parents did for her early on.

Similar beginnings, different paths

“They supported me in everything they could, in competitions, and always took me to training when I was younger. If I needed a nutritionist, a fitness coach, everything they could do to help me, they did,” Bastos said.

“My parents always supported me and helped me until I started to walk on my own two feet. They were the ones who introduced me to sports and helped me become who I am. I never had any problems with my family because they always supported me. And if I’m here today, it’s thanks to them.”

Bastos’ story mirrors Kelly’s, as the ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Champion was also introduced to martial arts at a young age. The American star was shy growing up and found friends and confidence through Jiu-Jitsu.

Unfortunately, she didn’t get the same support because both her parents died when she was still a child. Nonetheless, Kelly would grit her teeth and climb the ranks to claim World Champion status in ONE Championship.

The grappling pair’s stories will intertwine at ONE Fight Night 24 on August 2, but only one will add a tale of success when the dust settles on their ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title tilt.