ONE Fight Night 26: WATCH: American star Danielle Kelly displays utmost sportsmanship after taking the air out of Mariia Molchanova

American grappling ace Danielle Kelly was unrelenting in claiming her first-ever victory in ONE Championship two years ago, but after the fight, she was full of respect for her fallen opponent, Mariia Molchanova of Russia. At ONE on Prime Video 4 on Nov. 18, 2022 in Singapore that saw the Silver Fox BJJ standout move to control the contest right at the onset.

Kelly got her opponent's back and eventually worked her way to a rear-naked choke. Molchanova tried to wiggle her way out of it, only to find herself locked tighter and was forced to tap out inside three minutes.

Instead of immediately celebrating the victory, Danielle Kelly was magnanimous in victory, hugging her opponent and checking on Molchanova. She also helped her get up on her feet before hugging once again.

ONE Championship spotlighted the classiness that Kelly displayed in an Instagram post, which can be found below:

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The win was the first for Kelly in ONE after her promotional debut in March 2022 against veteran Mei Yamaguchi of Japan ended in a draw. She followed it up with two more victories, including a decision win over fellow American Jessa Khan in September last year to win the inaugural atomweight submission grappling world title. Unfortunately, her reign was short-lived as she was dethroned in her first defense back in August by Brazilian Mayssa Bastos.

Danielle Kelly looks to reclaim atomweight grappling gold in rematch with Mayssa Bastos

The defeat to Mayssa Bastos last time around is something Danielle Kelly looks to redeem herself from when they collide in a title rematch at ONE Fight Night 26 on Dec. 6 in Thailand.

The contest is one of two world title fights on offer at the event happening at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok and airing live and for free at U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Danielle Kelly lost the atomweight submission grappling world title to Bastos in their first encounter in August by decision. She said she learned a lot from the match and has left no stone unturned in her preparation to return to her throne in their rematch.

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Edited by Krishna Venki