’I Would Like to See if We’re Going to Compete for a Title” – Danielle Kelly Namedrops Jessa Khan as Potential Rival for Submission Grappling Crown

Danielle Kelly has shifted her focus toward the inaugural ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title once more after her second promotional victory at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video last Friday, February 24.

The American BJJ talent was made to work for her win inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, as former ONE Strawweight World Title challenger Ayaka “Zombie” Miura used her persistent judo skills and raw power to trouble the Silver Fox BJJ upstart.

However, once she assessed her foe’s strengths and weaknesses, Kelly took matters into her own hands, coming narrowly close to finishing the bout with a rear-naked choke inside the 10-minute affair.

Danielle Kelly has set her eyes on the ONE submission grappling world title

Though she didn’t get to celebrate another highlight-reel moment, the 27-year-old star was happy with the result. That showed during the post-fight interview with announcer Mitch Chilson, and it didn’t take Kelly long to call her next assignment – a rematch with longtime rival Jessa Khan for the grappling crown.

On her decision to compete against the Cambodian-American grappling prodigy, the Philadelphia native said, “I mentioned Jessa, just because I know she signed for ONE. I haven’t seen her compete yet for ONE Championship. So I would like to see If we’re going to compete for a title.”

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“My goal is to be the face of smaller women’s jiu-jitsu. Hopefully compete for the [115-pound] title, if that’s possible, or [125]. Yeah, just send me the match, I’m 113 right now.” With the potential showdown in mind, Kelly hopes to not only continue her upward trajectory in ONE against one of the trickiest submission grappling athletes in the world, but she also has redemption on her mind.

Danielle Kelly was determined to overturn the history of her defeat against Jessa Khan

The BJJ black belt fell to a decision loss to Khan in February 2021, and she’s motivated to even the score and earn a statement win that would serve to push her closer to her ultimate goal of becoming the face of the sport.

With improved techniques and growing confidence, Kelly firmly believes a rematch with Khan would produce a different result than the first – especially if ONE gold is on the line.

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She said, “I had a history with her about two years ago, and I felt like I wasn’t really a hundred percent, and I felt like I could compete with other jiujitsu people. It’s what I’m used to. It’s flowier, and we’re the same weight. I’m motivated to get back because I’ve been working hard to get that match and work harder on myself.”