“People are more respectful in grappling” - Marcelo Garcia says trash-talking is normal as long as you don’t cross the line

While BJJ legend Marcelo Garcia is fine with the occasional trash talk in his beloved sport, he believes there is a line you don't cross — unlike in MMA.

It's been well over a decade since grappling fans last saw Garcia compete. That drought ends on Friday, Jan. 24 when the four-time ADCC world champion makes his triumphant return to the mat at ONE 170 inside the iconic Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Garcia's highly anticipated comeback will see him square off with Japanese superstar Masakazu Imanari in a battle between two true symbols of combat sports.

Appearing on the Jordan Teaches Jiu-Jitsu podcast, Garcia spoke about the state of smack talk in BJJ and how sometimes, things go a little too far in trying to sell a match:

"I feel there's a line. If you try, don't cross the line. I feel like it can be very beneficial for jiu-jitsu, to make entertainment, but not just as bad as you see sometimes. Maybe I'm just thinking about too much MMA, I think people are more respectful in grappling."

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Marcelo Garcia excited to show off his refined technique in ONE Championship debut

Despite not having competed professionally for nearly 14 years, Marcelo Garcia has stayed very active in the gym and is ready to remind the world just how good he is. Garcia added:

"I'm there to prove that I [have] worked really hard, that I'm going to display the best technique possible. I want to go there to prove that I have developed a better technique. I'm there to prove, to show to people who watch that I have a very refined technique."

Before taking an extended sabbatical from the sport, Garcia became a five-time IBJJF world champion and was inducted into both the IBJJF and ADCC Hall of Fame. Garcia was also awarded the Most Technical Fighter honors twice in 2003 and 2007.

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