On January 24th, the legend Marcelo Garcia will be making his highly anticipated comeback against leglock master Masakazu Imanari at ONE 170.
Read our breakdown of the Marcelo Garcia vs. Masakazu Imanari below!!!
Marcelo’s Comeback
The great Marcelo Garcia is coming back after thirteen years away from pro grappling. In 2023, he had the fight of his life when he announced that he was diagnosed with cancer.
Less than a year after announcing his battle with cancer, Garcia announced that he had beaten cancer. On the heels of this news, Marcelo also announced that he signed with ONE Championship.
News broke this week that we’ll be seeing Marcelo Garcia vs. Masakazu Imanari at ONE 170.
Marcelo Garcia vs. Masakazu Imanari Breakdown
Both Garcia and Imanari are grappling legends in their own right, but Garcia has had more success than Imanari. The creator of the Imanari roll is also seven years older than Garcia, but has never stopped competing.
Imanari’s constant activity in competition and leg lock game will be factors that Garcia will have to deal with. Marcelo has never faced a high-level leg lock master as Imanari and we don’t know if ring-rust will be a factor.
However, Garcia is one of the most talented and decorated champions in the history of the sport. Marcelo Garcia vs. Masakazu Imanari will be a battle of masters that will be intriguing to watch.
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.