In a monumental announcement that has thrilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling fans worldwide, legendary competitor Marcelo Garcia is coming out of retirement to join the ONE Championship submission grappling roster. The 41-year-old’s return to active competition marks a seismic moment in the grappling world, as Garcia is widely revered as one of the sport’s most influential and accomplished athletes.
Throughout his career, Garcia has amassed an unrivaled legacy in BJJ and submission grappling. Known for his unmatched skill, relentless pursuit of submissions, and humble demeanor, he has become a household name among practitioners and fans. His signature techniques, including his masterful butterfly guard, devastating guillotine choke, and seamless arm-drag back-takes, have become staples of modern Jiu-Jitsu.
Garcia’s track record speaks for itself. In gi competition, he is a five-time IBJJF World Champion, a Pan-American Champion, and a Brazilian National Champion, showcasing his technical brilliance across all levels of competition. However, it is his accomplishments in no-gi grappling that truly set him apart. He is a four-time ADCC World Champion, a feat made even more remarkable by his success in the openweight divisions, where he often faced much larger opponents.
One of Garcia’s most memorable performances came at the 2007 ADCC World Championships, where he submitted seven out of eight elite opponents, with his only loss coming to heavyweight Robert Drysdale in the openweight final. His relentless style and ability to control and finish opponents have made him a grappling icon, inspiring countless athletes around the globe.
By joining ONE Championship, Garcia enters one of the world’s fastest-growing platforms for submission grappling. The promotion has quickly become a home for elite grapplers, offering a stage for showcasing high-level technique to a global audience. Fans can expect to see Garcia’s return inject new excitement into the sport as he competes against some of the best and most innovative talents today.
Marcelo moved to Hawaii from New York and opened a new academy there:
For a legend who built his reputation on innovation and dominance, this new chapter provides another opportunity to add to his storied legacy. Garcia’s comeback promises not only thrilling competition but also a chance to witness one of grappling’s all-time greats continue to redefine the art of submission on the world stage.
As anticipation builds, the grappling world eagerly awaits Garcia’s debut in ONE Championship, a return that signifies both the timelessness of his skills and the ever-growing popularity of submission grappling as a martial art and sport.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
