“I don't want to waste people's time” - Marcelo Garcia vows to put on a grappling spectacle in return vs Masakazu Imanari

Marcelo Garcia beating cancer and returning to competitive grappling is indeed one of the best feel-good stories in martial arts.

However, the 42-year-old living legend won't just be satisfied by simply going back to the sport he loves. 'Marcelinho' wants to recapture his former glory and prove to the world that he is still the best competitor in Brazilian jiu-jitsu history.

The blockbuster ONE 170 extravaganza this coming Friday is made even more special with the addition of Garcia taking on fellow BJJ royalty Masakazu Imanari in an openweight submission grappling contest.

Speaking during the ONE 170: Tawanchai vs Superbon II press conference, Marcelo Garcia vowed to put on a great show on Jan. 24 inside the sold-out Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

"I'm not here to waste my time, and I don't want to waste people's time. I believe I'm going to play the best fight possible, because I have 10 minutes, and I'm going to do everything I can to win."

The IBJJF and ADCC Hall of Famer continued:

"And I also believe the time has to be mine. If I don't put on a good match, people won't appreciate it. So I have the time, and I have to do everything I can so people can enjoy Brazilian jiu-jitsu. That's why I'm here, and I really don't want to disappoint anybody. I'm going to give everything I have."

Watch the full ONE 170 press conference:

Marcelo Garcia says the chip on his shoulder never went away

Despite already accomplishing everything there is at the highest levels of grappling, Marcelo Garcia is still as hungry as he once was when he just first started.

Quite frankly, it's the Brazilian's desire to test himself against anyone, regardless of size, that made him such an endearing figure in BJJ.

'Marcelinho' shared in an earlier interview with JitsMagazine:

"I feel like I have to prove that I have good jiu-jitsu. I always feel like I have to prove that. For example, back in the day, people from my state in Brazil, it was known to have not good jiu-jitsu."

ONE 170 will air live in Asian Primetime via watchonefc.com on Jan. 24.