William Tackett is one of the most known competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu today. He talked about his thoughts regarding the growing trend of exclusive contracts in the sport. There are major promotions such as UFC and One Championship that are stepping into structured Jiu-Jitsu leagues, which is why grapplers have to decide whether to commit to a single organization long-term. Many believe that these contracts can restrict competition and even slow down the sport’s growth. Others, including Tackett, see these contracts as a solution to bring financial stability to a career.
As Jiu-Jitsu continues to professionalize, athletes are exploring different avenues to maximize both their earnings and their opportunities. Much like the rise of betting sites with no verification needed, which have revolutionized accessibility and convenience in betting, the introduction of exclusive contracts could mark a shift in how grapplers build their careers. Instead of constantly seeking out one-off competition deals, fighters aligned with a single promotion may gain reliable financial support and exposure. However, this shift is not without controversy, and opinions in the community remain divided.
Tackett, who has competed all over the world, ranging from Ukraine to the U.S., values both sides of the debate. He knows that an exclusive contract can mean missing out on certain events, but he also knows that a long-term contract can bring financial stability. This decision is important for both him and his younger brother Andrew, who is also a high-level grappler. Tackett thinks that as Jiu-Jitsu continues to grow, the organizations with the best financial stability, like the UFC, could create long-lasting leagues that would provide stable careers for athletes.
Tackett says that one of the most if not the most appealing aspects of these deals is the possibility of getting in early. Mikey Musumeci is a great example; he was the first Jiu-Jitsu athlete to sign an exclusive contract with ONE Championship, which has its headquarters in Singapore. Taking the early spot in the promotion was a game-changer for Musumeci, because he positioned himself as a foundational athlete for the grappling division. Seeing in this, Tackett also has begun to see value in a similar path. He believes that if he and his brother commit to a promotion early, they could get and enjoy long-term benefits as the league expands within the sport.
Despite these potential advantages, there are those in the Jiu-Jitsu community who remain skeptical. Craig Jones, an Australian grappler and one of the most outspoken figures in modern grappling, has warned about the downsides of exclusive contracts, arguing that they limit athletes’ ability to compete freely. He and others worry that if too many top-tier competitors become locked into specific organizations, it could fragment the sport, preventing the dream matchups that fans want to see. The balance between financial security and competitive freedom is a difficult one, and only time will tell how these contracts shape the sport’s future. There is no knowing if an exclusive contract will create a more financially stable sport or limit the growth of the sport.
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
