Mad Lightweight Breaking UFC Heavyweights - Marcelo Garcia

A record-breaking 90% submission rate, four gold medals at the grappling Olympics and a complete lack of fear in the face of giants. Marcelo Garcia mowed through the opposition in the 2000s, introducing techniques and positions that have become the foundation of modern jiu-jitsu.
Despite his modest stature, the smiling prodigy would send the best Gracie clan members to the gallows and punish heavyweight UFC champions for unruly behavior. This is a tale of a mythical hero who redefined dominance in the art of weaving the human body.

[@sambofusion9486]

I took a private lesson from him in 2006. I was an advanced grappler… Or so I thought before Marcelo ran through me like I never stepped on the mat. It was amazing. Also, quite a few Jiu Jitsu idols have questionable behavior. I don’t think I ever heard anyone speak ill of Marcelo ever. GOAT.

[@TC-bv4on]

Any details from the private lesson that stood out?

[@sambofusion9486]

@@TC-bv4on quite a few, actually :) We went over passing half guard. I then asked him about X guard to which he replied whether I know anything at all about that guard. I watched his video on the topic and drilled it relentlessly so after watching me showing some of his own X guard things he told me I don’t need a private on that lol. Then we rolled. I think he tapped me 9 times in 15 minutes or so. And none of that was RNS lol. Bunch of crucifixes. Opening catch was his guillotine which I didn’t realize was special. My guillotine escape to Von flue was money so when he grabbed my head I was like yeah imma do Von flue. I almost passed out trying to get to side control due to his high elbow position. What stroke me the most is his ability to capitalize on smallest reactions and mistakes. I never made the same mistakes giving him different reactions for his set ups. No matter what reaction was he had a multitude of answers and he moved effortlessly and flawlessly in between. He also felt super tight and strong. I had both: FML moments and a great awe at the same time.

[@grumpyae86]

Such a humble comment Vlad. Learnt heaps from your vids a few years ago. Hope you’re well

[@user-op8nh5kr6b]

Он реально, крут!!! Смотрел его схватки еще 10х годах, реально показывал истинную суть борьбы: тонкая ветка сбрасывает снег, а толстая ломается!!!

[@BambinoBo26]

The real goat

[@internetxxx_pl0r3r_xxx77]

The highlight effects are hugely appreciated. Really help emphasize the technical breakdowns, especially for newer/less observant viewers

[@gongax5762]

Wtf go to sleep

[@Nikica40]

I dont think people realize how hard is to win adcc that many times. A real legend

[@andymichels4525]

Only you did realize it…

[@Danjr704]

Yeah especially when mostly everyone’s on was on some kinda steroid.

[@k.j.241]

I think MOST people understand that 🤨

[@AnglephileSwedenGerman]

Oh ya I almost got to fight in it in abu dabi

[@ArtistTarot7777]

@@andymichels4525 get a fuc*ing life

[@mastermindmartialarts]

Marcelo was everyone's favorite competitor when he was active, tournaments would damn near stop when he was on the mat. No one brought the excitement he did. He was the small man destroying giants. He is likely the most studied competitor of all time as well and his fingerprints are all over today's top competitors. I remember for weeks after one of his ADCC victories, our entire class would be drilling the stuff he had just used. I had the pleasure to briefly meet Marcelo once, super nice guy.

[@perfectsplit5515]

The Bruce Lee of grappling

[@AnglephileSwedenGerman]

Cool

[@johnreidy2804]

@@perfectsplit5515 Wrong friend. Lee only had maybe two fights in his life that were real. Garcia is the real deal. Lee great martial artist but mostly an actor

[@alvarinho1988]

😊qq

[@JoseGarcia-tr9mp]

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but rather the size of the fight in the dog." Marcelo Garcia will forever be my favorite BJJ competitor and not just because of his Jiu Jitsu, but even more so, his character as a man!

[@mikenuzzo3323]

He's a nice guy, I met him

[@langtryvlogme]

what a creamy take daddy

[@mikenuzzo3323]

@@langtryvlogme who ?

[@langtryvlogme]

@@mikenuzzo3323 ain't talking bout no "who" but about a what, homie

[@mikenuzzo3323]

@@langtryvlogme ok crip cuzoh

[@neilburton4417]

I get chills watching Marcelo grapple. Such an inspiring person. Absolute monster.

[@asylumental]

Wishing him a full and speedy recovery 🙏

[@paulwayland2374]

What an inspirational human, heart of gold , highest level of sportsmanship God bless you brother.

[@AlejoViloria]

Love Marcelo. He was the best of his era and a huge influence to the new generation. His Jiu-jitsu looks super modern if he was in his prime he would be giving a very hard time to the current new lightweights. I would love to see his current leg game. Hope he is recovering well. Get well soon maestro ❤

[@davidpignatore6532]

Absolutely. Ever see his live rolls at his academy? He rolled with everyone. Keenan, jt, glover etc

[@rxnupe]

he was not better than Roger

[@joshryan4387]

Marcelo innovated. Roger, not so much.

[@rxnupe]

what does innovation have to do with Roger being the GOAT and he's beaten Marcelo twice- Roger has choked out experienced Black Belts with a simple cross collar choke that you learn as a white belt. @@joshryan4387

[@user-ox2ij9pk9d]

Marcelo is a true giant slayer taking on guys in the heavyweight class hats off to this man.✊✊✊✊✊🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@johnlloyddy7016]

Marcelo was one of my early grappling heroes when I first started BJJ a decade ago. While many of my classmates followed guys like Roger Gracie and Eddie Bravo. I was a solid Marcelo follower. Marcelo on beast mode was a sight to see.

[@MikeySmithJones]

Agreed, Marcelo takes the cake.

[@davidpignatore6532]

Same. His x guard book changed my game when it came out in 07 and helped me all these years. I still go back to it constantly. Loved Roger, did seminars with Jacare, and so many others, but Marcelos style fit my body and goals.

[@AngladaFamilia]

The entire grappling world should emulate this Master Grappler, not only in training, but in humility and grace! Oshi Shinobu, Marcelo! OSS!

[@Cereal_Killer007]

I love how after every victory he pats them on the head and then offers his hand to help them up. Absolutely zero disrespect on his end even if his opponent was disrespecting him. The most gentle bad ass of all time. What a shame he was hit with cancer, ill pray for him.

[@jasonpetropoulos8820]

Marcelo is who I modelled my BJJ game off. Still serves me well at the top level in Australia. This man is easily one of the GOAT’s

[@leonvigil2045]

Marcelo is truly one of the best ever...

[@OvisTech]

I was saddened to hear that an athlete of this caliber was struck down by such a merciless illness. I hope he gets through this ordeal well!

[@adamwatts5427]

He's went back to training today

[@ijustwannaleaveacommentony6511]

what was it?

[@john-nx4xn]

What happened?

[@meatheadcanada]

Marcelo was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year. @@ijustwannaleaveacommentony6511

[@macdaddynick1751]

@@john-nx4xnprobably the cancer that was mentioned in the video .

[@uncountedvoter9449]

Also, what they don't tell you is that after Marcelo killed everyone in 2003 the whole grappling community focused on him and his techniques, we tried to learn everything we could about him. And this continued throughout his career, every guard and every submission. It must have been hard to win matches while the world is studying your every move.

[@user-ff6hp6xy3s]

Damn imagine the pressure! And then how do you innovate...

[@alessandropereirapassos6220]

Marcelinho was a monster. One of the greatest finishers in grappling. His fights rarely ended in points or referres' decisions.

[@roberth9814]

Was and still is a goat. You can watch his comp footage for years and still keep learning from it

[@Danny-mg1hu]

Sad he couldn't accomplish the same way in MMA. he fought and got beat handily and never came back.

[@Jaburu]

thanks for rephrasing the very first sentence in the video

[@Branden-vl9sl]

​@@Danny-mg1huhe did great I thought just suffered a cut. He was winning the ground game easy as expected. He wasn't used to the gloves I think why he couldn't get the rnc.

[@Danny-mg1hu]

@@Branden-vl9sl he had ampules of opportunities to come back and decided not to. i think he realized he would be going nowhere pretty much in MMA.

[@Talk2MeNice]

What an absolute BEAST ♥️

[@Concentrum]

your content is on another level - the vast knowledge of fighters and techniques, illustration of key moments and the way everything is smoothly tied together with an enjoyable narrative. my sincere thanks for many hours of top-notch educational entertainment.

[@naftaligoldschein2005]

The man who got me into Jiu Jitsu. Watching his old ADCC matches made me a fan

[@daryllgarcia6631]

I started BJJ because of Royce, but Marcelo inspired me with his techniques. get well soon champ!!

[@catsfive]

I don't even like MMA but YOUR videos have the human story, the human touch, and this one is no different. The interview at the end... onions

[@Mani_yasamin]

A true legend.

[@gregparrott]

Excellent video. I've seen little of this sport and had not heard of Marcelo Garcia. He was absolutely amazing. AND, ho was always a gentleman in competitions That means a lot. Kudos for highlighting the limb(s) and movements that made his moves work. His moves were so fast, that without such an aid, I was largely clueless as to what happened.

[@Ponytown00]

I just started grappling, and my favorite martial arts channel shows us this guy! Absolutely insane how much size and strength differential it took to even have a chance at beating him.

[@tennisjiujitsu]

I'm blessed to be trained at Marcelo's affiliated gym in Texas. He has done seminars at our gym over the years and we all absolutely love Marcelo! He posted today he will be back training tomorrow for the first time in a year!

[@dimpap9659]

The Real Grappling GOAT! Look who he faced, while being undersized , every name a fkn LEGEND on his own and No john Danaher in coaching corner. He is probably the most gifted Grappler and one with the amount of ferocity and patients pared with the perfect skillset for his Stocky Build.

[@dimpap9659]

Yeah single handedly changed the Sport. He is the face of modern JiuJitsu.

[@wandersondeoliveira211]

Marcelinho is a BEAST, one of the BEST. May God help him as he battles the toughest match of his life.

[@kden7197]

I love the respect between him and all his opponents

[@user-kn1uj2tp6r]

Except with Diego Sanchez. Marcelo offered his hand to Diego and the Diego just danced like an idiot.

[@duraynoodle]

@@user-kn1uj2tp6r The clip cuts off, Diego quickly went back to show Marcelo his deserved respect.

[@AlexRodriguez-gm4rr]

I’ve watched quite a few videos on Marcelo and no one ever brings up the 2 years he spent in south Florida when he was training with ATT. He had a gym in Pembroke Pines. I started my jiu jitsu journey with Marcelo and his brown belt at the time, Henrique Resende. Some of the best times of my life.

[@redshark32s]

Your videos are so freakin' awesome! Love that you do full length highlights and features. The depth of knowledge y'all have is amazing. It's wonderful that you do multiple sports, as well. Not just MMA.

[@Dave-mv1yk]

the dummy sweep and butterfly at the beginning of the video make up probably 90% of my sweeps in nogi. Marcelo definitely pushed jiu jitsu forward.

[@Ryan-lv1un]

Very few people will realize how incredible it is to successfully pass Xande Riberios guard. There are dozens and dozens of ADCC champions. There isnt even a 3 pac of people to pass guard ever.

[@perfectsplit5515]

And there are some rankings that rate Xande Ribeiro as the greatest of all time

[@davidpignatore6532]

Cause he always turtles lol.

[@IpponQing]

He always gets his guard passed, he just turtles and gives up his back.

[@Mark-ij3fo]

Marcelo Garcia. Baddest and Nicest MF at the same time. Truly the 🐐

[@eugenioitem4969]

Smaller yet most technical & the greatest- Marcelo Garcia! ❤

[@chriscottingham4368]

Get well soon Marcelo!🙏🏽❤️‍🩹 You are an inspiration for many and your JiuJitsu is top level. Thanks for your contribution to the sport!

[@CMMGUARD]

Professor Marcelo, I am proud of your humble, and brave spirit. You always treat others as champions. When I met you as a white belt in Atlanta you treated me the same as the black belts. You set the standard for my Jiu-Jitsu as a person, competitor, mentor, and black belt. Professor Coe

[@Mr.Deko86]

Grappling Marcelo is like trying to wrestle the air. Pure artistic insanity. Incredible skill.

[@Strype13]

"Next up was the young... *and still sane...* Diego Sanchez." Lol. So true. Poor Diego.

[@youngmaestro4153]

A warrior that smiles, is very dangerous

[@typerledsfk8190]

I'm a proud student of Jon Satava, a student under the legend, Marcelo Garcia.

[@matthewparsons6496]

The real GOAT, pound for pound.

[@dynaordie8083]

Great job on the video. Marcelo, the best player in my opinion. Skill of a killer n a soul of a saint

[@Chokesandspokes]

This was an amazing video! Thank you so much. And thank you Marcelo for an amazing career 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@jordonvh91]

His arm drags and guillotines are things of absolute beauty. It's just icing on the cake that he's such a sweet and humble guy as well.

[@johnybee8261]

Your videos are 🔥🔥🔥 Marcelo was a beast and cemented himself as a legend in sport for ever 🤙🏽

[@markmoore1042]

This guy is the greatest grappler I have ever watched and is heart and grace shines like the Sun, Dude is once in a lifetime.

[@stevev-hehimhis1892]

Love your videos man, love how you explain the moves and highlight it. Keep on making these!

[@Nenad-ICXC-Shuput-GFAMMA]

I never new any of this about Marcelo Garcia. Respect! And VoteSport, you bids are amazing.

[@1978nepenthe]

Loved the video - well done! MG's a LEGEND

[@harleyselby2634]

Thank you for making this

[@Villanforsome]

He definitely belongs on the Jiu Jitsu Mount Rushmore.

[@supernova-gi1nc]

I'm shocked to hear of his illness . I fear the worst ! The news really got me . He and actor Bruce Willis Have hit me hard . I will pray for Marcello

[@frankytobias]

Marcelo its a living Legend. Thanks for this amazing video.

[@andrewgrignon826]

Marcelo is hands down my favorite grappler of all time.. I'm a 155lb competitor and I always root for the little guy

[@katadantesux]

The balance of athleticism, control, stamina, technique, and talent that guy had in his prime may never be surpassed. It was a beautiful thing. Top notch hall of fame.

[@grongrivreus]

Incredible video, many thanks!! MG is definitely the 👑 OSS 👊🏾

[@DanielIvan707]

Marcelo is the GOAT of our sport and a great man we should look up to. ❤

[@Donder1337]

This man is a real legend!

[@reggiebryant2029]

He's amazing. So much speed, skill and strength. I still can't believe he got sick. It doesn't make sense 😢

[@lancebaltzley4770]

He is the real Goat!!!! If only the new generation had Marcelo's kind and professional demeanor! Yes I've had the pleasure of spending time with MG and he is an amazing human. I know that Gordon is doing his best to promote the sport but at the same time he is alienating a large audience with his arrogance. He could take a few lessons from true giants like Marcelo for sure!

[@ToddofWar]

Great documentary. Love Marcelo Garcia. The king of transitions. If there’s a scramble, he’ll find your neck!

[@robertkukulis8491]

This is the best combat sports channel by far!!!!

[@user-wy6fj5sg1s]

Im a simple man When i see votesport post, i watch

[@polegar14]

Amazing documentary ! Got goosebumps watching this genious grapple ... such an inspiration

[@torsti4791]

7:00 you know the guy is good when the video just briefly states "Oh yeah, he also won worlds in gi bjj" and continues forward after 10 seconds

[@KaiserSozay-gs5dz]

This is probably my favorite grappling video. I’m fairly new to being a grappling fan. I didn’t even know Marcelo even existed until I saw this video. Really awesome videos. Thank you for making them and sharing them.

[@TheMartialWay]

This was awesome! Thank you! An amazing tribute to a living legend.

[@Hakeri3]

Love the stuff you are doing. Great videos for peole who love mma sport and fighting, don't stop ;) . Best wishes from Croatia 🇭🇷

[@loveistheonlything3626]

Fantastic video production - thank you

[@neggD]

This is well put together material, as with all your videos. Much appreciated.

[@pedroivo2674]

Gênio do esporte. Pra mim no sem kimono é um dos goats, junto com Roger e Gordon. Vídeo de altissima qualidade

[@Carlitosmalo]

I tried to like this video like three times while watching it, truly legendary 🔥

[@ronnyschindhelm2217]

The best underground fighter ever❤

[@jims512]

Great video. I like the narration - the flow, use of metaphor, etc. Still the grappling GOAT IMHO.

[@brysonz]

This video was done so well. An awesome tribute to Marcelo

[@jordanbabcock9349]

11:15 and that is one example of why Marcelo is the Milky Way's champ. So happy Marcelo came to the USA. He IS what makes America great. Bless you and your wife and children Marcelo.

[@jeremypetley8149]

A lot of what people refer to as ‘Gordon Ryan things’ were ‘Marcelo Garcia things’. Absolute pioneer 🙏♥️

[@ricardobsouza2662]

Thanks a lot for this video!

[@WhoDeyWorld]

The heart of a champion

[@justindixon3320]

Great mini documentary about a brilliant exponent of submission wrestling and sport BJJ…well produced and presented. Thanks👍🏼

[@retardno002]

I feel like he just thinks faster than anyone else. Much of modern no gi is scramble based thanks to him. The way he gets his grips in the midst of chaos is next level. Leglock scrambles are a bit like that too. He's just the father of modern no gi, period. GOAT for sure.

[@juliuskann648]

love the highlighting!

[@Molloy1951]

Legend. If he was 10kg heavier, Gordon Ryan would find himself in trouble against him.

[@GMunoz-oj5zb]

@@frankfurtur5531 He's very right

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

@@frankfurtur5531 15-20KG and 5 years younger, no problem even against Ryan. But as it is, Ryan's way too big, too strong, even if their BJJ are comparable. Hell, even if Marcelo's superior creatively, Gordon still is way too big, too strong.

[@boost1566]

Marcelo, a true martial artist on and off the mats!🙌🏻

[@ciobanucatalin6187]

This video is amazing. So many details about his journey ! Love it ! You guys put a lot of work into this. Could you do one about Malfacine and Roger?

[@justinsutherlin]

Very well made video showcasing an all-around GOAT 💯

[@definitelynottigerwhitten5865]

Thank you for getting the terminology right! Great research.

[@AndreCruzXampa]

so humble and so dam good. the best

[@RockfromPhilly]

I love these Brazilian jiu jitsu and grappling videos! Please keep them coming.

[@johndough1218]

God's speed Marcelo! Your all love!

[@user-oz9jy8pe4d]

wonderful documentary keep up this amazing work

[@MarcusVinicius-ei7sc]

Legend… the word to describe this guy!!

[@semja]

Great video love the little details 😊

[@nisey_holmes]

This is my first experience learning of him… he is freaking amazing!! ❤😮

[@calebk8518]

He’s such a class act, respectful in victory and defeat

[@hungryjustin]

Besides the slam at his first ADCC gotta love the respect and sportsmanship to all the competitors. Definitely felt like a different era of being gracious after a loss 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@HypedContentBrasil]

One of the best bjj documentaries I've ever seen.

[@nujxad]

LEGENDARY