Prime Video’s “ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart” will see Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu superstar Maissa Bastos challenge American sensation Danielle Kelly for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title.
The highly anticipated showdown is set to take place in primetime in the US on August 2nd at Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
Widely regarded as the greatest lightweight female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete of all time, the nine-time IBJJF World Champion is a true technical wizard and will represent Kelly's toughest test yet in the world's largest martial arts organization.
Before he takes aim at ONE gold, we break down the techniques that have made Bastos one of the most lethal submission hunters on the planet.
#1 Unstoppable Berimbolo
The highlight of Bastos' competition is undoubtedly the berimbolo, a complex move that involves an upside-down back take under the opponent's legs and hips.
Simply put, the 26-year-old possesses the best berimbolo in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, male or female, in any weight class.
She tends to execute this technique from an elite open guard, but has also proven more than capable of jumping into this technique from top position, making her a threat to take the back from virtually anywhere.
#2 Crab Rider
Many of Bastos' opponents would defend the berimbolo by stepping back and forcing their hips to the mat, eliminating the leverage needed to take the back.
Bastos, on the other hand, is a master of a position known as the “crab ride,” in which he hooks both of his legs behind his opponent's knees.
From the crab ride, she uses her incredible flexibility and mobility to flip upside down and manipulate her opponent's hips, again securing back control.
#3 Rear-naked choke finish
Considering that Bustos is the best backtaker in the sport today, it's no surprise that she's an elite finisher from that position.
Once he has his opponent on his back, the Brazilian's weapon of choice is, naturally, the rear-naked choke.
Of her 57 career submission wins at black belt level, the best by a wide margin is the rear choke.
#4 Relentless Pressure Passing
Bastos is such a talented and dangerous guard that fans might underestimate her at her best, but they'd be wrong: the Brazilian is an extremely skilled pressure passer.
In contrast to the complex, modern guard game, Bastos trains in an old-school guard passing style that emphasizes pinning pressure and fundamental technique, all of which are highly effective against world-class black belts.
#5 Armbar
Even if she can't get to her opponent's back, Bastos doesn't stop pursuing submissions. Aside from the rear-naked choke, her favorite submission is the classic elbow snap armbar.
In particular, she can attack armbars with lightning speed from a variety of positions, including closed guard, open guard, and transitioning from top position.
