- George Chung
- Dec 5, 2024
- 2 min read
The wait is over! Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon and submission grappling legend Marcelo Garcia is making a jaw-dropping return to competition after more than a decade away. The 41-year-old phenom will step back onto the global stage at ONE 170, taking on none other than Japanese grappling pioneer Masakazu Imanari in an epic showdown on Friday, January 24.
From Champion to Comeback King
Marcelo Garcia isn't just a name in jiu-jitsu—he's a movement. A five-time IBJJF World Champion and four-time ADCC World Champion, Garcia conquered the mats and became a household name in grappling. But after clinching gold at the 2011 ADCC World Championships, he stepped away to embrace fatherhood and focus on mentoring the next generation of BJJ warriors.
Even when life threw him a curveball in 2023 with a cancer diagnosis, Garcia showed the heart of a true champion. He fought back, recovered, and is now stronger than ever—ready to show the world he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
A Battle of Grappling Greats
Standing across from Garcia will be the enigmatic Masakazu Imanari, a legend in his own right. Known as “Ashikan-Judan,” the Japanese trailblazer is revered for his unparalleled leg-lock mastery and the creation of the infamous Imanari Roll—a move that continues to confound opponents and thrill fans to this day.
This isn't just a fight; it’s a meeting of minds, styles, and legacies. Will Garcia’s timeless technique and ferocious top game prevail, or will Imanari’s deadly leg-lock arsenal write another chapter in his storied career? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the drama is off the charts.
Don’t Miss the Action at ONE 170
The open weight submission grappling bout promises to be the highlight of the evening, with fans at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, eagerly awaiting Garcia's return to the spotlight. It’s a moment you don’t want to miss—BJJ royalty stepping back into the arena to remind the world why he’s considered one of the greatest of all time.
Set your alarms and mark your calendars! ONE 170 goes live on Friday, January 24, at 7:30 a.m. EST/4:30 a.m. PST.
