“More Technical and More Engaging” – Danielle Kelly Breaks Down the Main Difference Between Mei Yamaguchi and Ayaka Miura

American BJJ phenom Danielle Kelly is well on her way to becoming the face of women’s submission, grappling in ONE Championship. But first, she’ll need to get past her next big challenge – MMA star Ayaka “Zombie” Miura at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video. 

Set to air in U.S. primetime on February 24 live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, that highly anticipated catchweight showdown will be the third submission grappling bout of Kelly’s undefeated ONE career. With another sensational win, she could soon find herself challenging for a ONE Submission Grappling World Title.

Danielle Kelly rated Ayaka Miura better than Mei Yamaguchi

In March 2022, Kelly made her promotional debut against MMA legend Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi. And while she was unable to submit the veteran fighter, she largely dominated the action with relentless submission attacks on her way to earning a US$50,000 performance bonus. Naturally, comparisons can be made between Yamaguchi and Miura.

According to Kelly, “Zombie” is likely to pose more of a threat: “I think [Miura] may be more technical and more engaging than Mei. Mei was really good at her defense, and she was really strong. I think my opponent will be either just as strong or stronger because I’m lighter than her.” 

READ MORE – “I Will Showcase Another Side Of Ayaka” – Ayaka Miura Plans To Exhibit Different Grappling Dimension Against Danielle Kelly At ONE Fight Night 7

Indeed, Miura is a brutally powerful judo black belt and has used her prodigious physical strength to secure four hard-earned victories inside the Circle, including a World Title shot against long-reigning women’s strawweight queen Xiong Jing Nan.

Danielle Kelly knew the importance of trusting her skills in order to get a win

Despite those accolades, the 27-year-old BJJ black belt is brimming with confidence heading into the contest. In order to get the win and extend her unbeaten streak, Kelly says she’ll need to trust in her world-class BJJ skills and always be on the lookout for Miura’s trademark scarf-hold Americana, which she has landed in each of her ONE fights.

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Kelly explained: “I think my technique will just be a little better. I just have to make sure I get her moving because she’s really good at MMA, and she has a really good base, and her specialty, she’s really good at it.”