Decorated Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) legend Marcelo Garcia officially returned to competition after almost 14 years away and after a recent bout with stomach cancer.
The four-time ADCC champion and five-time IBJJF world champion came back at 43-years of age, but didn’t seem to really miss a beat. Garcia faced Japanese MMA icon Masakazu Imanari on Friday, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Both veterans are known for being pioneers of grappling in their own regard, with a couple of moves named after them. Along with his butterfly guard, Garcia is known for his patented high elbow “Marcelotine” and north south chokes. While known more for his MMA fights, the 48-year-old Imanari was known for his leg locks and iconic “Imanari roll” leg entries.
Garcia came in almost 15 lbs. heavier, and the battle of contrasting styles ended up with the BJJ all-time great in complete control from the opening bell.
Imanari never had a chance to apply his game, as Garcia got a takedown and landed in top half guard just seconds into the bout. Garcia eventually passed and got to mount. He attempted an arm triangle choke, before soon transitioning to north south. In vintage Garcia fashion, he quickly secured his patented north south choke to force the tap.
Watch the finish below.
After the win, Garcia called for a match with another Japanese MMA legend in Shinya Aoki. After so much time away and with barely breaking a sweat in his return match, Garcia said he wanted to return to competition as soon as possible.
Prior to this, Marcelo Garcia last competed at the 2011 ADCC World Championships, where he beat the likes of Kron Gracie and Leo Vieira to win his fourth ADCC title at 77 kg.
Masakazu Imanari last fought in MMA back in February 2024, where he submitted Kazumasa Majima in RIZIN to improve his record to 40-22-2.
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