“I was exposed to teaching” - BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia says teaching pushed his knowledge further ahead of ONE 170 return

Marcelo Garcia found a new perspective heading into his highly anticipated return to action.

The BJJ legend will take on Japanese icon Masakazu Imanari in an openweight submission grappling matchup at the stacked ONE 170 card on Jan. 24, 2025, at Impact Arena.

Garcia said that even though he didn't train for much of his hiatus, his time teaching his students gave him a different vantage point on fighting and competing.

In an interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Marcelo Garcia said:

"And my point is like, I believe you're able to train with your students. I believe you're able to continue to teach because a big part of my learning, my techniques, I believe those results that you mentioned before, they came because I was exposed to teaching every day. I feel like it's a big part of my learning process is (that) I'm teaching."

Garcia, who hasn't competed in nearly 15 years, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2023 but ultimately beat the disease through chemotherapy and surgery.

After opening the first Marcelo Garcia academy in Hawaii this year, the multi-time BJJ world champion returned from retirement and announced that he signed a deal with ONE Championship.

The 41-year-old is one of the most well-respected submission grapplers in history and is a Hall of Fame inductee for both the IBJJF and ADCC.

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Marcelo Garcia wants to be part of submission grappling's further growth with ONE Championship

Submission grappling is an ever-evolving sport, and Marcelo Garcia wants to be in the thick of things.

After signing with ONE Championship this year, the nine-time BJJ world champion said he wants to be part of the sport's further growth on the global stage.

Garcia told Helwani in the same interview:

"I just want to enjoy everything that you just mentioned. I can see this sport growing, and I feel like I can be part of that. I feel like, for example, where jiu-jitsu is today, it just feels better. It feels more appreciated to go compete in this level of event."

Watch Marcelo Garcia's entire interview below: