Submission grappling specialist and BJJ black belt Danielle Kelly returns to the ONE Circle to take on Sambo World Champion Mariia Molchanova at ONE on Prime Video 4: Abbasov vs. Lee, which broadcasts live on American primetime this Friday, November 18.
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The 26-year-old has been waiting for another opportunity to get back onto the battleground, having impressed in her debut versus Japanese MMA legend Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi at ONE X this past March.
Before another chapter in the budding rivalry between BJJ and sambo gets off inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium, here are three facts about the American BJJ sensation.
#1 She’s Wrestled In High School
Danielle Kelly may be known for her ruthless ground game that largely stems from BJJ. But, “the gentle art” wasn’t the only martial art that sharpened her skills on the canvas.
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In fact, the Silver Fox BJJ representative wrestled during high school like most of her peers.
That allowed her to build strength, techniques, and several throws that were pivotal when she eventually transitioned to BJJ.
#2 She’s Beaten Tonnes Of Elite Opposition
Kelly holds wins over several world-class rivals – be it BJJ, wrestling, sambo, or MMA practitioners.
Besides some stunning victories over elite MMA fighters like Cynthia Calvillo, Carla Esparza, and Yamaguchi, the American has toppled BJJ standouts and champions such as Sofia Amarante and Jessica Crane.
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In short, the ONE submission grappling star already has a wealth of high-level competition experience. And as her win column grows, so too will her star power.
#3 She’s A Submission Hunter
In the Circle and on the mat, Kelly delivers non-stop entertaining action, making her a must-see fighter every time she competes.
Simply put, she’s a submission specialist. While some ground game practitioners excel in guard-passing or back-takes, or working from the guard, Kelly is constantly searching for the finish from a plethora of positions.
While many of her biggest wins have come via leg lock, she can also threaten with upper-body submissions, like armbars, triangle chokes, and rear-naked chokes.
She will be hunting for another highlight-reel finish to add to her resume at ONE on Prime Video 4, which is live and free with an Amazon subscription in the U.S and Canada.
Written by
Edited by
Rohini Kottu