Danielle Kelly is staying true on her promise to transition to MMA, as she has just signed a deal with ONE Championship to compete in both submission grappling and MMA.
ONE seems to be sweeping up the most elite jiu-jitsu players. Their roster includes Gordon Ryan, Andre Galvao, Garry Tonon, Tom DeBlass, and now, Danielle Kelly.
Kelly has made it known that she intends to tranisition into MMA. She currently holds submission grappling wins over the UFC’s Carla Esparza and Cynthia Calvillo. The 26-year old black belt is fast-tracking her way to veteran status in the BJJ world, with matches in WNO, EBI, ADCC, and more.
Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of ONE, made the announcement via Facebook post,
“Please join me in welcoming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Superstar Danielle Kelly to ONE! She will be competing in both submission grappling and MMA on the world’s largest stage of martial arts. She is a longtime student of the amazing Professor Karel “Silver Fox” Pravec, an original Renzo Gracie Black Belt.
For me, Danielle has the potential to be the next big thing in martial arts. She is an extraordinary talent with dominant finishing abilities and a real killer instinct. She also has a touching life story of adversity and triumph that will inspire the world. Equally important, Danielle is a wonderful human being with a heart of gold.
Welcome again to ONE, Danielle! #WeAreONE”
Kelly also acknowledged the deal in a post to Instagram,
