The Brazilian jiu-jitsu and combat sambo rivalry rages on this coming Friday, when American BJJ black belt sensation Danielle Kelly collides with four-time sambo world champion Mariia Molchanova in a submission grappling match at “ONE on Prime Video 4: Abbasov vs. Lee.”
When Kelly last competed in the ONE circle eight months ago, she was the aggressor in her matchup with former two-time ONE women’s atomweight world title challenger Mei Yamaguchi, and although they fought to a draw, the American’s gamesmanship earned her a $50,000 performance bonus.
The New Jersey native feels extremely confident ahead of her second promotional appearance, and she even predicted that she’d win within two minutes. “I’m just giving her an extra minute to be nice,” she added.
While that may be an ambitious statement, here are three reasons why Danielle Kelly can prove her word against Molchanova.
1. She could use Molchanova’s aggression to her advantage
Kelly’s wisdom in grappling is long above her years.
The 26-year-old’s approach to Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition is methodical, as Kelly does not allow herself to rush in to any openings that could land her in hot water. Her pressure game – once she finds an opportunity – is an impressive quality for such a young grappler.
It’s no secret that the art of sambo adheres to an aggressive philosophy. The combat sport’s approach is defined by its forward-fighting style. Molchanova’s approach encapsulates aggression, which is a feat that Kelly hopes to exploit in her ambitious bid to finish the Russian fast.
2. Kelly has competitive sambo experience
The art of sambo will not be a foreign concept to the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
Kelly’s experience isn’t just set in the ways of jiu-jitsu. In fact, she also competed in sambo at 18 years old, winning the few tournaments she entered. Her multi-sport skillset makes her a dangerous foe for any opponent.
While it has been a long time since her last sambo competition, the New Jersey native is sure to have revisited the very style Molchanova will bring to the ONE circle in order to refresh herself and level the playing field.
3. No-gi competition favors Kelly
Entering the ONE circle will also provide an unfamiliar aspect of grappling to the Russian, as both athletes won’t be allowed to don a gi.
The sambo style insists on gi fighting, so Molchanova will be limited in what she can and cannot do. Therefore, she must make adaptions in the fight and make her takedowns that much more aggressive.
In recent submission grappling matches featuring sambo practitioners, the transition has proved to be a difficult task. Kelly is essentially welcoming Molchanova into her world and will look for any opportunity to make the most of her advantages.
Fans can watch ONE on Prime Video 4 live and for free with an Amazon Prime subscription to see if Brazilian jiu-jitsu or sambo reigns supreme on Friday night.
