William Tackett

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

William Tackett was born on May 14, 2001, in Orange County, California. At age four, he moved with his family to Austin, Texas, where he began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at eight years old after his father enrolled him at a local academy. In 2017, Tackett joined Brazilian Fight Factory, rapidly ascending through the ranks due to his exceptional talent, discipline, and dedication.

Rapid Rise Through Colored Belts

Tackett quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, earning his purple and brown belts while actively challenging elite-level opponents. Even as a minor, he drew significant attention by defeating and submitting several high-level black belts. His impressive competitive record culminated in his promotion to black belt by Rodrigo Cabral (Brucutu) on March 27, 2021.

ADCC Trials and International Competition Success

Dominance at ADCC Trials

William Tackett solidified his position as a leading figure in no-gi grappling by winning the ADCC Trials twice—first at the 2021 East Coast Trials at 88 kg, and again at the 2023 West Coast Trials at 88 kg. His victories showcased his adaptability and strategic versatility across various competition formats.

International Achievements

Internationally, Tackett captured the Grapplefest 90 kg title in the U.K., defeating standout Eoghan O’Flanagan via decision. His consistent success across submission-only, points-based, and EBI overtime rulesets highlights his tactical intelligence and adaptability, earning him recognition as one of the world's elite middleweight grapplers.

Strategic Decision to Compete in Craig Jones Invitational

In 2024, Tackett made headlines by opting out of the prestigious ADCC tournament to compete in the Craig Jones Invitational, attracted by its substantial $1 million prize pool. This strategic decision reflected an entrepreneurial mindset, prioritizing financial stability for his family and long-term career sustainability. By challenging traditional norms, Tackett positioned himself as a disruptor within the grappling community, demonstrating remarkable maturity and professional foresight at just 23 years old.

Evolution of Grappling Style

Early Career Strengths

Initially recognized for his dynamic scrambles and effective guillotine submissions, Tackett quickly became known for his aggressive, submission-oriented style.

Technical Refinement and Strategic Growth

Through rigorous preparation for ADCC competitions, Tackett significantly enhanced his wrestling, positional control, and leg-lock defense. A notable example of this evolution was his submission victory over Jay Rodriguez via toe hold at the 2023 ADCC Trials, demonstrating refined strategic patience and mat maturity. Observers frequently highlight Tackett's composure and tactical awareness, traits typically associated with seasoned veterans.

Personal Values and Natural Athletic Branding

William Tackett openly expresses his Christian faith, emphasizing humility in victory and resilience in defeat. He strongly advocates for a clean, performance-enhancing drug-free athletic lifestyle, aligning himself with brands such as Level Black (LXB) and Kingz Kimonos, known for supporting natural grappling. Tackett has even participated in humorous "natty or not" content with the B-Team, reinforcing transparency and integrity within the sport. His decision in 2024 to prioritize family and professional goals over personal glory further underscores his principled character and thoughtful approach to his career.

Leadership Role in Austin's Grappling Scene

Following the relocation of the Danaher Death Squad to Austin, Texas, William Tackett emerged as a central figure in the city's grappling boom. Although not directly affiliated with the Danaher squad, Tackett remains at the forefront of this thriving scene, regularly training at Brazilian Fight Factory and frequently cross-training with athletes from the B-Team. His influence and leadership have positioned him as a key figure among the new generation of professional grapplers, helping transform Austin into a global hub for elite-level jiu-jitsu.