“More Technical and More Engaging” – Danielle Kelly Breaks Down the Main Difference Between Mei Yamaguchi and Ayaka Miura
Follow Us
American BJJ phenom Danielle Kelly is well on her way to becoming the face of women’s submission, grappling in ONE Championship. But first, she’ll need to get past her next big challenge – MMA star Ayaka “Zombie” Miura at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video.
Set to air in U.S. primetime on February 24 live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, that highly anticipated catchweight showdown will be the third submission grappling bout of Kelly’s undefeated ONE career. With another sensational win, she could soon find herself challenging for a ONE Submission Grappling World Title.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Danielle Kelly rated Ayaka Miura better than Mei Yamaguchi
In March 2022, Kelly made her promotional debut against MMA legend Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi. And while she was unable to submit the veteran fighter, she largely dominated the action with relentless submission attacks on her way to earning a US$50,000 performance bonus. Naturally, comparisons can be made between Yamaguchi and Miura.
Trending
A Far Cry From Floyd Mayweather’s Treatment of Him, Gervonta Davis Applauds Kevin Durant’s Support for Anthony Edwards
April 30, 2024 09:32 AM EDT
Desperate to Escape Dubai, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Gets Unexpected Offer for Help After Gervonta Davis’ Claims on Hostage Situation
April 30, 2024 07:23 PM EDT
NASCAR Rumor: Kyle Busch Could Fulfill Shattered Indy 500 Dream as ‘Chase Elliott 2.0’ Triggers Controversial Fallout
April 30, 2024 04:32 AM EDT
“I’m Frustrated”- Despite $400 Million Net Worth Tag, Dale Earnhardt Jr Reveals His Only “Cheaper” NASCAR Miss
May 01, 2024 10:32 AM EDT
LPGA Winner Slaps Jay Monahan’s PGA Tour With 8-Word Reality Check After Greg Norman’s Adelaide Triumph
April 29, 2024 08:26 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
According to Kelly, “Zombie” is likely to pose more of a threat: “I think [Miura] may be more technical and more engaging than Mei. Mei was really good at her defense, and she was really strong. I think my opponent will be either just as strong or stronger because I’m lighter than her.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Indeed, Miura is a brutally powerful judo black belt and has used her prodigious physical strength to secure four hard-earned victories inside the Circle, including a World Title shot against long-reigning women’s strawweight queen Xiong Jing Nan.
Danielle Kelly knew the importance of trusting her skills in order to get a win
Despite those accolades, the 27-year-old BJJ black belt is brimming with confidence heading into the contest. In order to get the win and extend her unbeaten streak, Kelly says she’ll need to trust in her world-class BJJ skills and always be on the lookout for Miura’s trademark scarf-hold Americana, which she has landed in each of her ONE fights.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kelly explained: “I think my technique will just be a little better. I just have to make sure I get her moving because she’s really good at MMA, and she has a really good base, and her specialty, she’s really good at it.”
Edited by:
Rohini Kottu