Twenty-two-year-old Andrew Tackett is not only living his dream but thriving in it. The newly crowned UFC BJJ welterweight champion will defend his title against Renato Canuto this Thursday in Las Vegas, just one month after claiming the belt.
Despite the quick turnaround and the spotlight of a main event, Tackett insists he feels no pressure.
“Not at all,” Tackett said. “I totally believe in myself. I know I’m main event worthy with how exciting of a performance I can put on. I’ve always put on a good match, and I believe I’m really starting to get a name for that now. I know I can win. I believe in myself, my game plan and my team, so I don’t feel the pressure at all. I just feel excitement.”
A New Breed of Fighter
Tackett fits the profile of the modern fighter. Media savvy and confident in his craft, the Laguna Hills native makes competing at the highest level appear effortless.
His recent submission win over Andy Varela in June showcased not only his skills but also his composure. Even small details — like how his hair held up under the lights — drew attention.
“You’re not allowed to use products in your hair because it makes you slippery,” Tackett explained with a laugh. “So I stop washing my hair the week of the tournament and use sea salt water to thicken it. Even when it gets sweaty, it still has volume. That’s the real answer.”
Embracing the Spotlight
For Tackett, life in front of the camera is nothing new.
“I was homeschooled, raised in a good family, and I’ve been waiting my whole life to be in front of a camera,” he said. “Since I was 13 or 14 years old, I’ve had a camera in my face because of jiu-jitsu. But since becoming the titleholder, so many more opportunities and publicity opened up. It’s been crazy, and I’m loving it.”
A Life of Sacrifice
Behind the charisma and success is a lifetime of hard work and discipline. Tackett first stepped onto the mats at age six and has sacrificed friendships, partying and a typical teenage lifestyle to pursue his career.
“I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of things — friendships, dating, partying,” Tackett said. “I had to focus on eating right, sleeping right, training smart. Nobody wants to do those things, but I had to. I’ve dealt with injuries, too, so now I train three to four times a week in jiu-jitsu and supplement with physical therapy, weight training and yoga. It’s all sacrifices, but I’d never pick another lifestyle.”
Fighter’s Mentality
What separates Tackett, he believes, is mindset.
“A lot of jiu-jitsu guys, you’re able to break them,” Tackett said. “You can gas them, make them feel fear, and then they quit. I think I definitely have more of an MMA mindset. I can win a match with all strategy and grit. That’s what gives me an advantage.”
Tackett, still early in his career, is proving that he is more than just a rising star — he is a fighter built for the spotlight.
Leave a comment
Please login to leave a comment.