Marcelo Garcia says the perfect time has arrived to resume legendary BJJ career: “I wanted my kids to see me compete”

41-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia is getting ready to make his grand return to active competition when he debuts for ONE Championship early next year.

Garcia has been sitting on the sidelines for over a decade, taking time out mainly to become a father and a mentor to the next generation of grapplers. But that competition itch came calling, and now, he's on the cusp of joining the best grapplers in the sport competing in the world's largest martial arts organization.

One of his main motivational drivers for returning to competition after all these years is his kids. Garcia wants to show his children that he is every bit of the BJJ legend people claim he is.

The 41-year-old said on a recent guest appearance on Jordan Teaches Jiu-Jitsu:

"Since I had kids, I always felt like I wanted my kids to see me compete. I always had that wish. And obviously, when they were little, it was too hard to think about taking the time off from fatherhood to go compete. I knew they were going to miss me if I decided to go compete and started to focus on my stuff, on my diet, on my training sessions, so I couldn't do this. But [now that] they're getting older, I feel like now comes the right time."

Needless to say, fans can't wait to witness what Garcia has in store for them.

Marcelo Garcia takes on Japanese legend Masakazu Imanari at ONE 170

Marcelo Garcia is getting ready to make his ONE Championship debut, as he prepares to face Japanese legend Masakazu Imanari at ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon. The event broadcasts live in Asia primetime from the state-of-the-art Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.

Fans in the United States and Canada can check ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch from their location.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.