Grappling ace Danielle Kelly had a fulfilling first year in ONE Championship in 2022, and she hopes to utilize her momentum in the Singapore-based promotion to escalate to greater heights in 2023. The American sensation was unveiled as a ONE athlete in February, and she made her debut in the Circle a month later, participating in the organization’s first-ever women’s submission grappling bout against Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi. 

Though that match ended in a draw, Kelly tested the Japanese veteran’s grappling skills with constant submission attempts, and her efforts earned her US$50,000 performance bonus.

Danielle Kelly has worked hard for her feats over the last year

She eclipsed that showing with a sensational victory over Sambo World Champion Mariia Molchanova in her second at ONE on Prime Video 4 in November, taking home bragging rights for BJJ in the budding rivalry between it and sambo and claiming a second bonus in the process.

Reflecting on those two appearances, her evolution over the last 12 months, and the opportunity to compete in an organization stacked with such an abundance of submission-grappling talent, Kelly said:

“It was probably the best year for jiu-jitsu and being a jiu-jitsu athlete. Looking back, I wasn’t expecting to be in that spot at all. It meant a lot to be able to be the first jiu-jitsu women’s grappling match for ONE. I worked really hard.”

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Kelly’s hard work has certainly paid dividends, as seen by her courageous displays inside the Circle. But as she continues her climb to the top of the submission-grappling ladder, pressure tags along.

This year evolved Danielle Kelly into a different grappler

However, the 27-year-old athlete plans to use it to push herself to improve her overall skill set. And no matter the problem or opponent she faces in the future, Kelly understands her growth will eventually bring her closer to her dream of becoming a ONE World Champion.

“I think, being in this position, I feel pretty blessed, but, also, it’s work now. People are watching me. There are more eyes on me. So it made me work harder and work more. This is a job to me, something I like to do,” the Philadelphia-based martial artist said.

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“So, I think what I got out of it this year is I think I’m a different grappler. So, yeah, I’m taking it seriously, and I’m just really, really grateful to be here and be in a spot that I’m in.”