‘Such Beautiful Jiu-Jitsu’ – Marcelo Garcia Reveals Why He Wanted To Face Lachlan Giles At ONE Fight Night 38
True greatness recognizes greatness. For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia, that means testing himself against Australian innovator Lachlan Giles.
This Friday, December 5, fundamental mastery meets modern innovation at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Prime Video.
The two submission grappling icons will collide in a lightweight dream match in the promotion’s final U.S. primetime event of the year, which broadcasts live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Garcia’s name belongs on the Mount Rushmore of grappling legends. The Brazilian captured four ADCC World Championships and five IBJJF World Titles with an unmatched finishing instinct, cementing his status as arguably the sport’s greatest competitor.
Those competition days seemed over when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2023. But the 43-year-old showed the same warrior’s heart that made him a nine-time BJJ World Champion, and he ultimately overcame the life-threatening ailment by the end of the year.
The Brazilian’s comeback at ONE 170 this past January ended a 13-year hiatus. He submitted Masakazu “Ashikan-Judan” Imanari via north-south choke, adding another triumphant chapter to his legendary career.
“Marcelinho” recalled how that emotional return unfolded:
“I feel blessed that I was able to show [my skills] in a really high-level match, in a big competition like ONE Championship. I feel like that was the highlight of my life. It was just like a dream come true.”
That victory earned Garcia a US$50,000 performance bonus and confirmed his comeback wasn’t a one-time farewell. When it came time to book his sophomore appearance in the world’s largest martial arts organization, there was one name that immediately piqued his interest – Giles.
Giles first caught the Brazilian legend’s attention at the 2019 ADCC World Championships, where the Australian produced one of the sport’s most magical runs. Weighing just 77 kilograms, “The Giant Killer” submitted three hulking heavyweights – Kaynan Duarte, Mahamed Aly, and Patrick Gaudio – with his signature inside heel hook to earn bronze in the openweight category.
Garcia watched in awe as pristine technique trumped sheer size. From that moment, he wondered what it would be like to test himself against the Melbourne native.
The Brazilian explained:
“I was backstage the first time Lachlan competed at ADCC, and he displayed amazing submissions in the absolute [division] that day. He displayed such amazing jiu-jitsu against some really big guys. Seeing someone [like him] who competes in my division, who is the same size as me, that made me feel like I want to test myself against someone who showed such beautiful jiu-jitsu.”
Years passed before fate brought the two legends together.
When Garcia discussed his next match with ONE Championship Vice President of Grappling Tom DeBlass, he already had a name in mind.
Once the contract was signed, the overwhelming fan reaction stunned him. The world wanted to see two of the sport’s pioneers collide on the global stage.
Garcia added:
“I didn’t realize all the people were expecting to see this match. I didn’t know that. That made me more inspired to go against him because I didn’t know people were looking [forward] to this match.”
Garcia’s Renewed Purpose Fuels Him For Giles Showdown
Marcelo Garcia feels reborn in his life and career. The 43-year-old is grateful to continue competing on the global stage, but beyond that, he’s honored to share the ring with a fellow icon in Lachlan Giles.
The Aussie represents everything Garcia respects: heart, technical brilliance, and innovation that has reshaped modern grappling.
Garcia offered:
“I’m happy to know that I’m going against a good opponent, and to hear him say that he’s going to display all his hard work … I feel ready for that.
“I have to be able to go over there and show the best jiu-jitsu possible. To be able to know that I have somebody on that level, I feel like I could do that. I’m expecting him to give his best. That’s what makes this exciting for me.”
At this stage of his career, Garcia’s motivations have evolved. He fights for everyone who has supported him through cancer, his comeback, and his legendary career.
When he steps into the ring at ONE Fight Night 38 on Friday, the Brazilian will showcase the skills, belief, and passion for the sport that has defined him.
He said:
“I want to go in there and give everything I have. Every time I go to compete, I don’t want to disappoint everybody who wants to see me compete. It’s not about winning or losing. I want to go over there and show how hard I fight, how hard I believe in jiu-jitsu.”
