“I was ranked below” - Danielle Kelly relishes underdog role against Mayssa Bastos in world title rematch

Former ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world champion Danielle Kelly of the United States knows she is the underdog heading into her highly anticipated rematch with Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon Mayssa Bastos.

But that hasn't stopped her confidence one bit. In fact, Kelly has experienced what Bastos and her Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy teammate Jessa Khan have had to offer in ONE Championship. And she isn't at all fazed.

Speaking to JitsCast in a recent interview, Kelly says that she is confident in her ability to hang with Bastos and Khan, even though she was actually ranked lower than the two at one point.

The 27-year-old Silver Fox BJJ product said:

"I don’t think they train together but I think they're under the same school. I was ranked lower than both of them at one point. Not that rankings matter, I don't think. But going forward into this match and last match I was ranked below them and I just felt like they were pushing her and her team a lot. So it felt really good to beat them."

Needless to say, fans can't wait to witness these two go at it this weekend to determine the rightful ruler of the division.

It all comes to a head at ONE Fight Night 26 on Prime Video.

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Danielle Kelly and Mayssa Bastos do it all again at ONE Fight Night 26 on Prime Video

American grappling superstar Danielle Kelly is set to challenge Mayssa Bastos for the ONE women's atomweight submission grappling world title in a much-awaited rematch this weekend.

They will lock horns at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Prime Video, which will broadcast live in U.S. primetime this Friday, December 6. The event will take place at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and for free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.