Reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Champion Danielle Kelly is on a mission to establish herself as the undeniable best in her weight class.

To that end, she’ll soon defend her gold against decorated Brazilian Mayssa Bastos in an intriguing matchup that has the BJJ world captivated.

Danielle Kelly confident ahead of title defense against Mayssa Bastos

That contest is slated for August 2 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Undefeated across four thrilling submission grappling battles in ONE, Kelly won the World Title last September when she scored a stunning decision win over IBJJF World Champion Jessa Khan at ONE Fight Night 14.

The opponent in front of her now, Bastos, is a nine-time IBJJF World Champion and one of the most dominant competitors the sport has ever seen. Kelly is well aware of what her opponent brings to the table and feels plenty prepared for the Brazilian’s vaunted guard game and back attacks.

The Philadelphia native spoke about her upcoming clash with Bastos: “You have to I think my wrestling is better. I think my submission finishing mechanics, my defense, and my counters are much better.”

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High stakes jiu-jitsu: Kelly vs. Bastos

Ultimately, Kelly expects a high-paced exchange of techniques on August 2, with Bastos looking for the back while she hunts for any and all submissions available to her.

She further added, “I think that in this match, I think she’s gonna be trying to attack my back. I think she’s going to try to rush something like a leg lock because a lot of people just like doing leg locks with me – which I hope so because I like to counter.”

With that World Title match rapidly approaching, the American says that the submission remains at the forefront of her mind: “Jiu-jitsu fans can expect a really exciting match. I believe it’s going pretty back and forth. She’s going to try to take my back, or I’m gonna try to take her neck or her leg. I’m looking to break anything she gives me.”