Mayssa Bastos unconvinced that Danielle Kelly deserves trilogy fight: “Other people first”

Reigning ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mayssa Bastos retained her crown after 10 gruelling minutes of grappling action this past weekend, but she wasn’t completely satisfied with her performance.  

The Brazilian queen outworked former champ Danielle Kelly in their pivotal rematch last Friday, December 6, at ONE Fight Night 26 inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. 

Admittedly, Bastos was happier with the performance she gave in her sequel against Kelly. But as ONE World Champion, she strives for perfection. So the only way she would’ve been content would have been by securing a stoppage.  

“I performed better than last time, but I don’t think I’m satisfied with the win. I really wanted to submit her,” Bastos said.  

“I felt like I had a pretty tight heel hook at the end. I was even feeling her heel popping, but I guess [that wasn’t] enough to make her tap.” 

Mayssa Bastos believes Danielle Kelly must work her way back to the World Title picture

Fresh off back-to-back outings with former queen Danielle Kelly, ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mayssa Bastos is ready for a new challenge. 

The 27-year-old wants to solidify herself as the greatest female grappler to ever grace ONE Championship. That’s why she’s welcoming all challengers to try and take her gold from around her waist. 

Kelly’s name came up, but Bastos believes she closed the book on a potential trilogy following two dominant victories – at least in the immediate future. If Kelly can turn dust herself off and regather momentum, though, then the Brazilian queen will consider meeting once more.   

“I would like to fight other people first,” Bastos said.  

“Then I think [Kelly] needs to fight and climb back again to deserve a shot at the belt.”