Mayssa Bastos is considered one of the greatest grapplers in the lighter-weight classes, and her constant learning has been a key to her success.

In the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Friday, August 2, the Brazilian phenom will challenge Danielle Kelly for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mayssa Bastos reflects on her influences and goals

Bastos is a multiple-time BJJ World Champion with a 115-12 professional record, and she discussed how she never wouldn’t have gotten to where she is without watching and studying those around her in a recent interview with ONE.

“All the people who have been and are part of my career, I try to absorb the best. I am shy and quiet but well observant, and I always try to absorb the best in people, whether it’s hard work, consistency, or the way the person behaves, whether he or she is a respectful person,” Bastos said.

The Costa Mesa, California resident has been an exemplary model for other female grapplers, so much so that even her upcoming foe, Kelly, couldn’t hide her admiration.

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Reign for the atomweight grappling queen title

As she heads towards perhaps the biggest opportunity of her professional career, Bastos shared the best advice she has received and her overall goal for her career.

“The best advice I’ve been given was to do what would make me happy and to follow my dreams, and that’s what I’ve done since I was a child. I want to be an example and an inspiration as an athlete and person for several generations,” she said.

Winning the ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title would certainly be a huge accomplishment for the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy star, especially given the massive reach of ONE Championship.

However, it’s a more difficult task in practice than on paper. Kelly is determined to prove she deserves to be divisional queen, and she’ll stop at nothing to show everyone that her name belongs among the greats in the sport.

Defeating someone with the stature of Bastos will be a good step towards that goal, so fans should expect a barnburner when the grappling pair takes to the ring at ONE Fight Night 24.