Danielle Kelly wants to be an ambassador for BJJ

Danielle Kelly is happy to be at the forefront as Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) continues to break into the mainstream, largely thanks to ONE Championship’s dedication to bringing attention to the sport.

Dabbling in submission grappling in prior years, ONE went all in on grappling by signing some of the biggest names in the sport, including Mikey Musumeci, the Ruotolo brothers, and Kelly herself.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Kelly expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to help bring attention to the sport and show the world that BJJ athletes can make a living doing what they love:

“I’ve competed at a lot of big stages, especially like ONE Championship. Previously I’ve been invited to the biggest cards and everything. I’m thankful for the position I’m in. But I’m also, I’m in this position where I can say jiu-jitsu athletes can make a living and I hope to be more proof of that going forward.”

Since bringing submission grappling back to the Circle this year, ONE has crowned its first-ever submission grappling world champion, with Mike Musumeci leading the charge as the first flyweight titleholder. 2022 ADCC world champion Kade Ruotolo wasn’t far behind, capturing the promotion’s lightweight crown just one month later.

Will Danielle Kelly become ONE Championship’s first female submission grappling world champion in 2023?

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Danielle Kelly’s motivational message to every woman interested in BJJ

It’s been a long and rocky road for women in the world of combat sports. Having to fight for every inch and every dollar gained, female warriors from around the world have tried to do their part to make it easier for the next generation. Danielle Kelly takes pride in being a part of that push.

Penning a word of encouragement on Instagram for young women interested in pursuing a career in BJJ, Danielle Kelly wrote:

“I started in the sport where women fighting didn't make a dime. I look back and am really grateful I kept my head up and worked hard without the noise getting to me. I’m thankful to be the few women that push the sport, and even competing on the biggest stages where jiu jitsu athletes can make a living.”

Receiving little support from her family as she pursued her interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Kelly was unwilling to give up on something she genuinely loved to do. Today, she’s one of the most successful women in the sport, competing on the global stage, traveling the world, and making a solid living in the process.

On Friday, February 10, Kelly will be back in action at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video as she faces another tough challenge from former MMA world title contender Ayaka Miura in a submission grappling contest.