Marcelo Garcia, one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s greatest icons, has announced his return to competition after 15 years. Known for his humility and groundbreaking techniques, Marcelo sat down for an interview with Jordan does Jiu-Jitsu to share his thoughts on returning to the mats, the challenges he faced, and the inspirations driving him. His words provide a rare glimpse into the mindset of a true legend.

Why Return Now?

When asked why he decided to return to competition, Marcelo said:
“I never thought about retiring. I always thought, ‘I’ll take a break.’” Despite stepping away from competitive BJJ in 2011, Marcelo maintained his connection to the sport. His decision was deeply personal:
“I want my kids to see me compete,” he explained. As a father, balancing family life and competition was challenging:
“When they were little, it was too hard to take time off fatherhood to focus on dieting and training. But now they’re older, and it feels like the right time.”

Another key factor in his return was the encouragement of his close friend and ONE Championship representative, Leo Vieira:
“Leo convinced me to sign up. Every organization reached out to me, but Leo caught me at the right time.”

Who Does Marcelo Want to Face?

As for potential opponents, Marcelo was humble but clear:
“I don’t have anyone specific in mind. I just want to test myself again,” he stated. His return isn’t about proving anything to others but rather rediscovering the joy of competition:
“BJJ has always been my happy place,” Marcelo shared.

Overcoming Challenges: Marcelo’s Journey Back

Marcelo’s journey back to competition has not been without challenges. He revealed that he had battled and recovered from stomach cancer, a struggle that changed his outlook on life and training.
“Being cancer-free gave me a new perspective,” he said. Despite this, Marcelo remained optimistic about returning to peak performance:
“It’s not about being the best version of myself from 10 years ago; it’s about being the best I can be today.”

What Marcelo Thinks About Modern BJJ

When discussing the current state of BJJ, Marcelo expressed mixed feelings:
“There’s so much talent, but I don’t like the trash-talking. BJJ isn’t about that for me,” he noted. Instead, Marcelo emphasized respect and connection:
“For me, it’s always been about building personal connections and helping others grow.”

Marcelo Garcia’s return to competition is a testament to his love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his desire to inspire others. His reflections on family, resilience, and the essence of BJJ remind us why he’s not just a champion on the mats but a role model off them. As Marcelo puts it:
“This isn’t about proving anything. It’s about enjoying the journey and sharing it with those I love.”