William Tackett views his recent signing with UFC BJJ as a transformative moment – not only for his career but for the entire landscape of professional grappling.

Here is what he had to say about the topic in a recent podcast episode:

Being an employee for the UFC has probably been the best experience I’ve had yet for a jiu-jitsu guy.

They really understood my value, maybe even more than I did.

The deal grants him access to the UFC Performance Institute’s full range of resources – nutritionists, physical therapists, conditioning experts, and even daily meals.
These benefits, common in mainstream sports, have rarely been available to grapplers.

Tackett’s decision to sign an exclusive contract raised eyebrows among those who value independence in the sport, but for him, it was a long-awaited opportunity:

I’ve been trying to get a contract with Who’s Number One for a good bit…
A lot of us professional athletes have been chasing contracts for a long time.

Financial security, Tackett explained, allows him to focus fully on his craft:

All the money I’ve made in my entire life has come through jiu-jitsu.
So I have to actively pursue what’s best for me financially and for my family.

After spending years training in Austin, Texas, Tackett is now relocating to Las Vegas to train full-time at the UFC Performance Institute ahead of his middleweight title bout against Ronaldo Jr. at UFC BJJ 3.

For Tackett, the UFC’s structured environment isn’t just about improving performance, but it’s about protection:

It’s about protecting the investment.

If I go out there and compete on Who’s Number One three months before my UFC BJJ match and snap my tibia and fibula in a heel hook, are you going to compete for UFC BJJ now?

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