Lachlan Giles on the offer to fight Marcelo Garcia that he could not refuse: “I can’t turn this down”

Australian BJJ innovator Lachlan Giles was happily enjoying his retirement from competition before a golden opportunity presented itself, and he didn’t hesitate to sign the dotted line.

After last competing in 2022, Giles will make a comeback at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Prime Video this Friday, Dec. 5.

‘Giant Killer’ will face fellow legend Marcelo Garcia in a lightweight submission grappling dream match at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Giles has been focusing on managing and teaching classes in his own gym, Absolute MMA in Melbourne, while also creating content for his online BJJ instructionals.

He balances all this while taking care of his wife and two children.

However, he got the call from ONE Championship Vice President of Grappling Tom DeBlass, who came with an irresistible offer to grapple with Garcia.

In an interview with the promotion, Giles recalled how this epic match-up turned into reality:

"I was quite happy being retired, to be honest. But just before CJI, Tom DeBlass reached out to me. He said, 'Would you take a match with Marcelo?' I thought about it, and I was like, 'I can't turn this down.'"

ONE Fight Night 38 will air live in U.S. primetime free on Prime Video for North American fans.

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Lachlan Giles says he's back at his best

Getting back to competition shape has admittedly been challenging for Lachlan Giles.

But knowing he's facing arguably the greatest ever, the Aussie technician has been giving it his all in preparation. He told ONE:

“The intensity is just the enjoyable amount – showing up and doing as many rolls as makes me happy, not pushing too hard.”

The Absolute MMA representative added:

“Now with the focus on a match, I've gone back to what am I best at and how do I get sharper in that area, and building my fitness up as well.”