BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia admits his initial decision to step away from competing was to focus on teaching and coaching his students

41-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon Marcelo Garcia spent years away from competition because he felt fulfilled and wanted to shift his focus to helping his students and young up-and-comers in 'the gentle art'.

The legendary martial artist took an extended break almost a decade ago. He told JitsCast the reason why he decided to do so:

"For me, I was getting more happy to see my students go and compete and win than myself going to compete. I felt like, oh if I take the time away from me to go compete, I feel like I can spend more time on my students and my gym, and I did that."

However, at 41 years of age, Garcia is making a comeback in a brave new jiu-jitsu world that will be coming for him.

The Brazilian veteran is set to return to action next weekend for ONE Championship, the world's largest martial arts organization. And he will face a fellow legend of the game.

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Marcelo Garcia to face Japanese icon Masakazu Imanari at ONE 170

Brazilian legend Marcelo Garcia has drawn Japanese martial arts pioneer Masakazu Imanari for his first match in ONE Championship.

The two lock horns in the main event of ONE 170, which will be broadcast live from the state-of-the-art Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Jan. 24.

Fans in the United States and Canada can visit ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch from their location.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.