Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Danielle Kelly was supposed to face Rose Namajunas for a grappling match previously. While it did not take place, Carla Esparza stepped in to face Kelly. Kelly won the bout and Esparza defeated Namajunas in their UFC 274 fight and became the new UFC strawweight champion.

Kelly is of the opinion that Esparza will remain the champion for a long time. She said, “When I was grappling with her, I knew like before, she was going to be like, heavier than me. Because I think she was walking around like 140, 135 but she cuts like 132 because Rose had to pull out due to covid.”

“You know, when was in my guard, like it was hard to like pull her arm across. I was like, ‘okay, this is a really strong strawweight’. I feel like she may be the champion for a while. … would like to see her and Weili.”

“Weili is very talented. I think she’s a good striker, and she looks really strong. Yeah, I mean that’ll be a good matchup. You know, I may have to go Weili, but you know, Carla, she’s a really good wrestler, and she’s really strong.”

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Weili previously faced Namajunas twice in the Octagon (UFC 261, UFC 268). During their first bout, she lost her strawweight title to Namajunas. During the second bout, she failed to get back the belt.

With Esparza defeating Rose Namajunas and becoming the champion, it would be interesting to see if Zhang Weili can get back the title.

Will Rose Namajunas face Danielle Kelly at ONE Championship?

While Kelly versus Namajunas didn’t take place last time, it would be an interesting match to watch. When ‘The Schmo’ asked the American grappler if she would like to face the UFC fighter, she gave a positive response.

However, Kelly has already made her debut at ONE Championship. Hence, either ‘Thug’ would have to move to ONE Championship or a crossover between both the promotions would have to take place.

Kelly has also previously expressed her interest in MMA as well. Hence, her combat career ahead will be interesting to follow.

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Do you agree with Danielle Kelly’s comments about Carla Esparza? Let us know in the comments below.