“I have a good defense” - BJJ royalty Marcelo Garcia says he’s ready for Masakazu Imanari’s signature leg locks

BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia is confident that his defense will hold up against the iconic leg locks of Masakazu Imanari.

Earlier this year, Garcia — one of the most decorated submission grapplers in the sport's history — announced that he had signed a deal with ONE Championship. Now, the multi-time IBJJF and ADCC world champion is preparing to make his promotional debut against Imanari at ONE 170 on Friday, Jan. 24 inside Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Breaking down his upcoming contest with Imanari, Garcia is confident that his defense will stave off the signature leg attacks of 'Ashikan-Judan' and pave the way for him to focus on own his plan of attack (via The Ariel Helwani Show):

"I believe I have a good defense. I believe I have trained that for my entire life because I don't want to be on that gamble scenario, on that gamble that like I have less chance than my opponent".

"I feel like I want to go where I have most of the chance, like on my game, on my attack. And that's what I am planning to do."

Check out the full interview below:

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Marcelo Garcia looks to continue his illustrious career on martial arts' biggest stage

When Marcelo Garcia steps on the mat at ONE 170, it will be his first time competing in more than a decade.

During his time, Garcia was one of the most dominant grapplers in the world, topping the podium at the IBJJF World Championships on five separate occasions. He is also a four-time ADCC Submission Fighting world champion and was inducted into both organization's Hall of Fame.

According to BJJHeroes.com, Garcia has 80 career wins to his credit with 59 of them coming by way of submission — a 74% finish rate.

Will Garcia pick up right where he left off and add another legend to his hit list?

Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II will air live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Jan. 24 in U.S. primetime.