Marcelo Garcia returned after 13 years away from competition to submit Masakazu Imanari by north-south choke at ONE 170.
Marcelo’s Triumphant Return
Grappling GOAT Marcelo Garcia made his highly-anticipated return to competition at ONE 170. He submitted leg lock master Masakazu Imanari within the first five minutes of their match.
Marcelo used his trademark top control to keep Imanari on his back. After cooking Imanari, Garcia set up another signature move of his in the north-south choke to get the submission win.
What makes Marcelo Garcia’s comeback all the more special is that he was diagnosed with cancer just last year. After winning the biggest battle of his life against cancer, he came back today and won his first match in 13 years.
A huge congratulations to one of the GOATS of the sport and we look forward to seeing your next match.

Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.