Danielle Kelly wants to fight Jessa Khan for possible ONE world title

If Danielle Kelly gets her way, she will compete for a ONE world championship in 2023 against a familiar foe.

Kelly made her ONE Championship debut at the promotion’s 10th-year anniversary showcase ONE X in March. With an impressive showing against Japanese icon Mei Yamaguchi, Kelly scored a $50,000 bonus from the ONE CEO and quickly became a fan favorite in the world of submission grappling.

Kelly earned her second win inside the circle at ONE on Prime Video 4 in November, dispatching sambo world champion Mariia Mochanova in just over two minutes. The next task on Danielle Kelly’s list is to become the first women’s submission grappling world champion under the ONE banner. If and when that opportunity arrives, Kelly will hope to compete for the 26.4-pound gold belt against a former opponent, Jessa Khan. In an interview with ONE Championship, Kelly said:

“If ONE would do a women’s World Title, I would love to go against Jessa Khan. People think I’m dodging jiu-jitsu people, but I’ve been studying her, so I hope I get that match.”

Danielle Kelly and Jessa Khan competed once before in 2021, with Khan earning a decision victory. The Silver Fox BJJ product would love the opportunity to run it back with Khan on combat sports’ biggest stage in 2023.

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Danielle Kelly believes 2022 was the best year for Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Brazilian jiu-jitsu made a big leap forward in 2022, getting more exposure than ever at the mainstream level. Much of that comes from ONE Championship going all in on submission grappling by signing some of the biggest names in the sport, including Kade, Tye Ruotolo, Mikey Musumeci, and Danielle Kelly.

“It was probably the best year for jiu-jitsu and being a jiu-jitsu athlete. Looking back, I wasn’t expecting to be in that spot at all. It meant a lot to be able to be the first jiu-jitsu women’s grappling match for ONE. I worked really hard.”

While 2022 was huge for Kelly and BJJ overall, the submission grappling sensation hopes to make it an even bigger 2023 for herself by wrapping ONE gold around her waist.

“I want to win that women’s world title for 115 [pounds], for sure.”

Do you want to see ONE Championship introduce a women’s submission grappling world championship in 2023?