3 Things To Know About BJJ Icon Lachlan Giles Ahead Of ONE Fight Night 38
One of the most brilliant minds in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Lachlan Giles, will finally make his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Prime Video.
The event, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, December 5, will see the Australian grappling icon take on BJJ GOAT Marcelo Garcia in a lightweight submission grappling dream match in Bangkok, Thailand.
Giles owns a unique blend of technical innovation, teaching excellence, and competitive success that has made him one of the most respected figures in the modern era of submission grappling.
The 39-year-old’s systematic approach to leg locks revolutionized the game, and his ability to produce magic off his back is second to none.
Before Giles makes his first ONE Championship appearance, here are three things you must know about the Australian grappling pioneer.
#1 Giles Is A Giant Slayer
Giles earned his legendary status and “Giant Killer” nickname at the 2019 ADCC World Championship with one of the most memorable performances in grappling history.
Competing at just 77 kilograms, he entered the absolute division and did the unthinkable. Despite being outweighed by roughly 20 kilograms in each match, the Melbourne native submitted three behemoths.
His conquests included Kaynan Duarte, who had just won gold in the super heavyweight division, and the hulking Patrick Gaudio and Mahamed Aly, who all tapped to his signature heel hook.
Giles only lost to eventual champion Gordon Ryan in the semifinals, but his inspiring bronze medal finish marked the first time a 77-kilogram competitor had reached the absolute podium since 2007.
The Australian’s “David-versus-Goliath run” captivated the grappling world and proved that technique truly trumps size.
That same year at the Kinektic Invitational 1, Giles delivered another jaw-dropping performance.
In the unique five-on-five format, he single-handedly swept the entire opposing team, submitting all five opponents one after another.
#2 Giles Holds A PhD In Physiotherapy
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Giles brings serious academic credentials to the mats.
The Australian scholar earned his Bachelor of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University in 2008, and he returned to the school to pursue his PhD in Physiotherapy in 2016.
Giles’ doctoral research examined groundbreaking approaches to patellofemoral knee pain rehabilitation.
The multifaceted athlete somehow balances being the head coach of his own gym, Absolute MMA, with running a successful private practice at Physio Lab Melbourne.
The grappler’s physiotherapy career includes prestigious positions with the Australian Judo Team at the Australian Institute of Sport and with Melbourne City Football Club.
This unique combination of scientific understanding and practical grappling experience gives Giles an edge few competitors possess.
His strong understanding of the human anatomy, especially the lower half, allows him to dissect every detail of his intricate leg entanglements.
Armed with the knowledge to heal, Giles also understands the breaking points of the body, making him a feared leg-locker of the highest order.
#3 Giles Awarded Craig Jones His Black Belt
Giles’ impact on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu extends far beyond his own competitive success.
One of the biggest names in submission grappling today, Craig Jones, is just one of many Australians who he helped develop.
Jones moved from Adelaide to Melbourne as a purple belt specifically to train under Giles at Absolute MMA.
Under his mentor’s guidance, Jones developed the devastating leg lock game that would become the foundation of his success. And in 2016, Giles awarded his first-ever black belt to his most deserving protege.
That influence rippled throughout the Australian combat sports scene, producing a generation of elite grapplers who now compete at the highest levels.
Giles served as the head coach for Team Australasia at the Craig Jones Invitational 2 in August 2025, bringing his coaching career full circle.
Now, at ONE Fight Night 38 on December 5, Giles gets a chance to showcase his innovative approach against one of the sport’s most fundamental masters, as Garcia’s classical technique meets modern leg lock warfare.
The clash between Garcia’s fundamental mastery and Giles’ modern innovations promises to be an unforgettable match featuring “the gentle art” at the highest level.
