Marcelo Garcia's comeback in competition will be against Japanese legend Masakazu Imanari on Jan. 24 at ONE 170, which will take place inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
The two grappling icons will face each other in an openweight submission grappling match, and before this thrilling contest, the Brazilian great appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to discuss his fight plan against Imanari.
Garcia said that he would avoid the threats of Imanari and instead focus on his own strengths:
"So it is a part of the game that I don't like to risk. (playing to the opponent's strengths). I want to have the odds in my favor. So my whole point is I'm not getting into his game."
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Watch the full interview of Marcelo Garcia at The Ariel Helwani Show below:
A win for the 41-year-old will prove that he's still one of the best submission artists in the world despite the long sabbatical from competition.
Marcelo Garcia wants jiu-jitsu to be an outlet for people for their problems
Garcia also appeared on Jordan Teaches Jiu-Jitsu for an interview, and he revealed his dream for the gentle art, not only for its continues expansion as a professional sports, but also as an outlet for everyone to help them deal with their problems.
The Hawaii resident explained:
"There's so much going on, I just wish people continue to be humble. Because martial arts, fighting, and the outside world can be very intimidating, I just wish jiu-jitsu and martial arts could be something to help people go outside and deal with the problems that they face. I just want jiu-jitsu to be like an open door for everybody."
The stacked ONE 170 card airs live in Asia Primetime on Jan. 24 inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. North American viewers can check ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch the event.