Marcelo Garcia vs. Lachlan Giles

The grappling gods have answered our prayers as Brazilian jiu-jitsu royalty will share the ring at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Prime Video.

This Friday, live in U.S. Primetime, Marcelo Garcia takes on fellow legend Lachlan Giles in a lightweight submission grappling showdown inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

After immortalizing themselves in the annals of grappling history, it seemed like Garcia and Giles had enjoyed a fruitful retirement.

After winning five IBJJF world titles and four ADCC world championships, ‘Marcelinho’ stepped away from the limelight and was content with teaching and raising his family.

By 2023, the 43-year-old revealed his battle with stomach cancer. But like the true warrior he’s always been, Garcia overcame the life-threatening ailment and surprised the grappling world by joining the home of martial arts.

‘Marcelinho’ made a triumphant return at ONE 170 last January. The Brazilian icon displayed that fundamentals never go out of style, using his signature pressure passing system to bypass Masakazu Imanari’s guard and submit him with a textbook north-south choke.

Now, Garcia seeks to continue his legendary career. Giles got the offer to take on the man he idolizes and couldn’t say no.

The 39-year-old, who last competed in 2022, cut his retirement short for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Australian leg-lock master is eager to make a mark in his promotional debut by showcasing his intricate leg entanglement system and signature heel-hooks.

It’s the same move that ‘Giant Killer’ used to gain global notoriety through his bronze medal finish at the 2019 ADCC World Championship Absolute division.

Prediction: Marcelo Garcia defeats Lachlan Giles via submission

In hindsight, Giles’ incredible guard retention is the perfect antidote to Garcia’s fundamental passing.

The Australian innovator’s flexibility will be on full display, and I see him pulling guard and immediately going to his K-guard.

Garcia should come prepared against Giles’ dreaded leg entanglement system and impose his signature pressure passing.

However, ‘The Giant Killer’ always finds a way for his innovative leg entries, and I see him scoring an early catch with one of his inside heel hook attempts.

But ‘Marcelinho’ has developed impenetrable defenses against leg-lock specialists and escape.

I see the 43-year-old using a strong headlock to try and throw Giles off his leg-hunting expertise.

But being the crafty technician that he is, the Absolute MMA head coach will grab a hold of one of the Brazilian’s legs and score another catch. This time, Giles should attempt the ‘Lach Lock’ – a modified heel hook – that he’s been preparing for this training camp.

Garcia should survive and use his signature arm-drag to grab a hold of Lachlan’s back. I see ‘Marcelinho’ working his way to Giles’ neck and securing a dramatic last-second rear-naked choke for the victory.