BJJ royalty Marcelo Garcia says “looking forward to the future” ahead of his impending return to action at ONE 170

For Marcelo Garcia, his upcoming bout at ONE 170 on January 24 marks not just a new chapter in his athletic career but also a transformative phase in his personal life.

The Brazilian legend is set to compete for the first time in 14 years, taking on Masakazu Imanari in an openweight submission grappling clash on the aforementioned card scheduled to happen at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

This return to action is Garcia’s first since his stellar performance at the 2011 ADCC World Championships, where he showcased his dominance by submitting three of his four opponents en route to a gold medal.

In the years since, he has devoted himself to raising his two children, building his world-famous BJJ academy in New York City from the ground up, and overcoming a grueling battle with cancer that sidelined him from training for much of 2023.

Despite the challenges, the multi-time BJJ world champion shared in an interview with ONE Championship that he now embraces each day with renewed purpose, viewing life through a lens of gratitude and resilience.

He said:

“I definitely appreciate the days I have today.”

Garcia acknowledged that his illness took a toll on both his personal and professional life, casting a long shadow during his recovery.

But with his health fully restored, the grappling icon is ready to step back onto the mats later this month, reigniting his passion for the sport he cherishes:

“I’m now almost two years cancer-free, and I’m just looking forward to the future.”

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Marcelo Garcia is delighted to turn the page at ONE 170

As he prepares for his return at ONE 170, Marcelo Garcia embarks on a journey that represents far more than just a comeback — it’s a celebration of life and a second chance to do what he loves.

He added:

“My life changed, but I have a better understanding of what makes me happy now.”