“I am about to fight the biggest fight of my life” shared the legendary Marcelo Garcia on his Instagram account, revealing his stomach cancer diagnosis. The 40-year-old ADCC Hall Of Famer, 4 x ADCC winner, and 5 x BJJ World Champion is now facing a 3-month long round of chemotherapy before going in under the knife to remove the tumor.
Marcelo Garica is one of the most beloved characters in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Always full of energy, the Brazilian has revolutionized the sport on multiple occasions by coming up with techniques we consider to be staples of modern Jiu-Jitsu today. He used things like the X-guards and guillotine combinations to surprise the highest level of opponents as he went on to win huge titles like the ADCC and IBJJF Worlds.
Marcelo is also one of the greatest teachers ever, with his New York academy a real den for BJJ fanatics of all levels. Garcia was always a complete fighter as well, winning with and without the Gi.
It seems that the Brazilian is now in need of the community’s support as a very different foe lurks in the opposite corner. Marcelo Garcia has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, although at this point it is not clear what form or how progressed it is.
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As per his post on Instagram, he has a round of chemotherapy set for the next 3 months, and surgery scheduled afterward, which are all good signs when it comes to the sneaky disease he is facing.
“I’m about to fight the biggest fight of my life, I have stomach cancer and will start chemo for 3 months and back at MSK for surgery to remove the tumor,” wrote Garcia on his Instagram. “Please keep me and my family in your prayers. Get your check-ups, and listen to your body, all I had was hiccups after eating and I’m glad I went to see a doctor .just wanted to say thank you to everyone who’s supporting me now, you all know who you are and I will never forget it.”
The news has been met with a strong reaction of support from everyone in the BJJ community, including some very big names, like Bernardo Faria, Gordon Ryan, Rafel Lovato Jr., and many others.
