Mayssa Bastos made sure ONE Fight Night 24 was another memorable night in Bangkok, Thailand. The Brazilian added to her incredible legacy of titles with a unanimous decision win over Danielle Kelly for the ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Championship. Following the ONE Championship event, Bastos spoke with the media and reveled in her glory.
“It feels great. Right now, it’s really hard for me to describe, but I’m really, really happy. I think it’s special because I’m the first Brazilian to ever win [submission grappling gold], especially because it was a title that I did not have yet, and also [it’s] for my legacy,” Bastos revealed.
In the lead-up to the match, both women said they would be aggressive. That is exactly what happened when the bell rang. However, the American still made some surprising tactical choices, according to Bastos.
“I think she came really aggressive. I was expecting [her to be] aggressive. I was kind of surprised, the way that she went after me on the feet,” the newly minted champ stated.
Kelly had a lead in the match due to an early catch called by the referee. However, Bastos never stopped searching. Late in the 10-minute round, the nine-time IBJJF World Champion got her own catch and believed it was the deciding factor in the match.
“I feel like my last catch was the best catch of the match. So I feel like if we maybe had a little bit more time, I would [have been] able to [finish her],” Bastos said.
With the title over her shoulder, Bastos is now the target for every atomweight grappler. It is a burden she is happy to take on as the face of the division. Although Kelly may be at the top of the list with an immediate rematch, the Brazilian is happy to face anyone who steps up to the challenge.
“Right now, I don’t have anyone in mind, but anyone who wants to fight me, I would be happy to fight,” Bastos commented.
Perhaps the most surprising result for Bastos was the performance bonus she was awarded after the decision was read. The Brazilian took home a cool $50,000 for her title-winning showcase. It was merely the cherry on top of a huge night that started the Bastos Era in ONE.
“I was really happy. I wasn’t expecting to win a bonus. It was kind of a surprise, but a really good one,” the Brazilian said.
