Marcelo Garcia Returns with a Masterclass Victory at ONE 170
After nearly 14 years away from competition and a hard-fought battle with stomach cancer, jiu-jitsu icon Marcelo Garcia made a triumphant return to the mats. And it doesn't seem like he's lost a step.
The four-time ADCC champion and five-time IBJJF world champion stepped back into action at 43 years old, showing that time and adversity had done little to dull his legendary skills. Facing Japanese MMA pioneer Masakazu Imanari in Bangkok, Thailand, Garcia delivered a vintage performance that reminded the world why he’s considered one of the greatest grapplers of all time.
Both Garcia and Imanari are revered for revolutionizing jiu-jitsu in their own ways, with techniques named in their honor. Garcia is famed for his butterfly guard, high-elbow guillotine dubbed the “Marcelotine,” and his north-south choke. Imanari, 48, earned his reputation as a leg-lock specialist, renowned for his signature “Imanari roll.”
The matchup was a battle of contrasting styles, but it quickly became clear who would dictate the pace. Garcia, weighing in nearly 15 pounds heavier, took control from the opening seconds. With a clean takedown, he landed in top half guard and methodically advanced his position. Imanari, unable to implement his game plan, found himself on the defensive throughout the bout.
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HE'S BACK 🥋 Fresh off of beating cancer, Marcelo Garcia submits fellow grappling legend Masakazu Imanari via north-south choke! #ONE170 | 🔴 LIVE NOW
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) January 24, 2025
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Garcia’s relentless pressure led to a smooth pass to mount, where he initially threatened with an arm triangle choke. Seizing the opportunity to transition, Garcia moved to the north-south position, and in a fashion that epitomizes his career, he locked in his patented north-south choke. Imanari had no choice but to tap, marking Garcia’s victorious return in just a few minutes of dominance.
After the match, Garcia expressed his eagerness to continue competing and issued a challenge to another Japanese MMA legend, Shinya Aoki. Reflecting on his time away, Garcia made it clear that he intends to remain active in competition after barely breaking a sweat in his return.
Garcia’s last competitive outing came at the 2011 ADCC World Championships, where he defeated elite opponents like Kron Gracie and Leo Vieira to claim his fourth title at 77 kg. Meanwhile, Imanari’s most recent MMA fight was in February 2024, where he submitted Kazumasa Majima in RIZIN, improving his record to 40-22-2.
With this commanding victory, Garcia has not only reignited his career but also reaffirmed his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see what challenges he takes on next. It's like he never left.