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Marcelo Garcia's inspiring victory over cancer had a more profound impact on his life than he initially thought.
Beyond the inspiration he brought to his students and the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Garcia said beating the disease gave him a different perspective on how to live through life's everyday challenges.
The BJJ legend said in an interview with Jordan Teaches Jiu-Jitsu that beating cancer made him enjoy life's little details with his family, students, and friends in general.
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"It always makes you appreciate, like the days, that everything is going well. When you have like a very s****y day, you know what I mean? It makes you feel like, okay. I just wish it was not a day like today. I just wish it was just like yesterday. But I don't think I appreciate life more than I did before."
Garcia is one of the greatest BJJ artists of all time and won nine world titles across IBJJF and ADCC.
A member of the IBJJF and ADCC Hall of Fame, Garcia stepped away from the sport in 2011 to focus on his family and gym.
Things, however, took a turn in 2023 when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Nevertheless, Garcia managed to beat the disease and make a full recovery after months of therapy and surgery.
Garcia then announced his return to competition after he signed with ONE Championship earlier this year.
He will make his promotional debut at ONE 170 in an openweight submission grappling match against Japanese legend Masakazu Imanari on Jan. 24, 2025, at Impact Arena in Bangkok.
Watch Garcia's entire interview below:
Marcelo Garcia says he's determined to continue legendary BJJ career
Marcelo Garcia is adamant that he's no one-and-done fighter when he takes on Masakazu Imanari in their all-legends clash in Bangkok.
In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Garcia said he's determined to extend his legacy and compete in as many matches as his body allows him.
"Obviously now I'm [with] ONE, and I'm exclusively fighting for ONE. But I know I have the freedom to go to IBJJF, Abu Dhabi, those tournaments, I believe. As long as there's no conflict with dates."
