ONE Fight Night 38 post-fight recap and review: Lachlan Giles retires in glory, submits BJJ icon Marcelo Garcia with a stunning kneebar

Australian grappling royalty Lachlan Giles had a storybook ending to his distinguished career by doing what few have ever done, submitting one of the best to ever do it, Marcelo Garcia.

The two iconic figures entered the fabled halls of Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, last Friday, Dec. 5, and put on a grappling masterclass at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Prime Video.

Giles knew what he wanted to do from the onset, baiting Garcia to take him down so he could display the magic he could produce off his back.

The Brazilian showed no fear against ‘The Giant Killer’s' dreaded attacking guard, and immediately went to work by pinning his legs and applying his signature crushing top pressure.

But the 39-year-old Aussie came prepared. Sensing Garcia chasing the mount, Giles switched to his trademark K-guard to prevent ‘Marcelinho’ from reaching chest-to-chest.

He then put the nine-time BJJ world champion on the defensive by threatening him with his signature outside heel hook that has toppled giants in the past.

Garcia stayed composed and showcased his mastery of the fundamentals, making sure his leg didn’t go over the knee line to escape.

The IBJJF and ADCC Hall of Famer went back on the offensive, this time opting to pass from half guard by controlling Giles’ ankles.

However, the Australian inverted his way out of danger each time ‘Marcelinho’ tried to advance.

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Official result: Lachlan Giles defeats Marcelo Garcia via submission (kneebar) at 7:03 of Round 1

Taking a page out of Garcia’s playbook, the feared leg lock innovator went back to basics. Giles used one of BJJ’s most fundamental techniques, going for a dela riva hook to and x-guard entry.

He stayed relentless when Garcia pulled his leg out once more, latching back onto the leg and rotating his hips with precision.

Giles’ patience soon paid off when he managed to peel Garcia’s left leg and secure it with a textbook figure-four grip.

He added some flair to it, using his head as the lever to deliver more torque, which he later dubbed the ‘Lachy Lock’.

Giles ripped it and forced the Brazilian’s leg at an angle where limbs weren’t supposed to reach, forcing arguably the greatest BJJ competitor of all time to tap out.

It was the perfect ending, as Giles walked away from the sport on the high of victory.