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Marcelo Garcia Announces He Wants to Test Himself Against UFC Striker Lachlan Giles

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 21:48 GMT by bjpenn

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Marcelo Garcia Opens Up About His Long‑Aged Dream to Face UFC’s Lachlan Giles

In a candid interview published on BJPenn.com, one of the most revered names in modern Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, Marcelo Garcia, shares the reasoning behind his long‑standing wish to step onto the cage and face Lachlan Giles, the former UFC featherweight who is now a top‑ranked striker in the World Series of Fighting. Garcia says the motivation is simple yet profound: “I want to test myself.” The article dives into the man’s storied career, his philosophy of the sport, and what a bout with Giles would mean for both fighters and the BJJ community at large.

A Brief Look at Marcelo Garcia’s Legacy

Garcia’s résumé is nothing short of a Hall‑of‑Fame curriculum: a five‑time World Champion (U.S. Open, World Championships, Pan Ams, European Open, and the prestigious ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship), two‑time ADCC champion, and four‑time Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu world champion—all accolades earned before the age of 25. The black‑belt icon is famed for his leg‑lock system that has turned the “tiger‑leg” and “sleeper” into the most feared weapons in grappling tournaments worldwide.

Beyond the titles, Garcia’s influence stretches into coaching, having helped shape the careers of BJJ luminaries such as Keenan Gagné, Leandro Lo, and Tetsu Kuroda. He also ran his own academy in São Paulo, Brazil, for a decade before transitioning to a global brand as a consultant and instructor for Gracie Barra.

“I Want to Test Myself”

When asked why he has been itching to face a striker, Garcia gave a direct answer: “I want to test myself. I want to face an opponent who can finish me. I want to see how my system performs under those conditions.” He explained that BJJ is a system—a set of concepts that are designed to work in competition—but “the ultimate test of any system is how it fared in real‑world scenarios.”

Garcia added that he has spent years wrestling top BJJ athletes, and “those are the fights that matter for a grappler.” Yet, “a fighter who can strike is a different ball game.” He expressed excitement that a bout with a striker would push him beyond his usual comfort zone. Garcia’s comment echoes a growing trend among high‑level BJJ practitioners to cross‑train with striking disciplines, and many now consider such fights a necessary step for the sport’s evolution.

Why Lachlan Giles?

Garcia was quick to point out that the choice of opponent was intentional. “I’ve heard about Lachlan, and I’ve seen his fights,” he says. “He’s a striker, but he’s not a ‘BJJ master.’ He’s a legitimate opponent, and I want to see if my system can survive his strikes.” The interview also notes that Lachlan Giles, who holds a black belt in BJJ from the Gracie family, has a “solid ground game,” but is known for his cerebral striking—a combination that makes him an ideal challenge for Garcia.

The article cites Giles’ track record: a record of 17‑2 in MMA, with eight of those wins coming by knockout or technical knockout. Giles is also a former UFC featherweight who was ranked No. 4 in the division in 2019. He’s known for his footwork, spinning kicks, and precision—all of which can disrupt a grappler’s base.

The “If” of a Cross‑Sport Showdown

While the article acknowledges that no official fight has been announced, Garcia’s comments carry weight. “I’ve already booked my training camps,” he said, “and I’ve got my mind set on the challenge.” Whether the fight is a cage showdown or a tournament‑style grappling match remains open, but the potential for public interest is undeniable.

Garcia also reflects on how his grappling would blend with a striker’s tactics. He says, “In BJJ, the goal is to control the opponent and prevent them from finishing. In a fight against a striker, I would rely on my takedown game, keep my guard tight, and look for submissions before the striker can land a decisive blow.” He notes that this approach would also test his defensive skills—a key component in his career, where he has been praised for his clean escapes from dangerous positions.

A Cultural Exchange for BJJ

The article closes by exploring how a Garcia‑Giles matchup could influence the sport. “If I can win, it’s a huge statement that my system works on the cage,” Garcia said. “If I lose, it will show that a grappler still needs to sharpen his striking defense.” He also hints at future possibilities: “I’ll definitely be considering other fighters. The idea is to keep the system alive by testing it against diverse skill sets.”

BJJ enthusiasts will appreciate that Garcia’s interest in facing a striker underscores the growing dialogue between grappling and striking communities. The article provides links to several related pieces on BJPenn.com, including a feature on Garcia’s historic 2017 ADCC performance and an analysis of Lachlan’s striking repertoire. Fans can also check out a video montage of Garcia’s most iconic submissions on the BJJ Heroes website, a resource highlighted in the interview.

Takeaway

Marcelo Garcia’s interview offers a fresh perspective on a fighter’s quest to grow beyond the mat. He emphasizes that his desire to face Lachlan Giles is rooted in a deep respect for the sport’s evolution: “I want to test myself,” he repeats, “and I want to prove that my system can stand up to real‑world challenges.” Whether the bout ever materializes, Garcia’s words are a call to all grapplers: keep testing, keep learning, and keep pushing the boundaries.