The Tackett brothers, both active UFC BJJ competitors, made a dual announcement this week. In a promotional video, William and Andrew Tackett confirmed that UFC BJJ plans to incorporate formal PED testing into competition by the end of 2026.
“UFC is going to start incorporating d**g testing into the sport of Jiu-Jitsu, which we are all excited about at the end of the year,” William said in the announcement.
Andrew, who currently holds a UFC BJJ title, emphasized that protecting his championship under a cleaner competitive standard is a personal priority.
“Ready to take control of our health on and off the mats, be the best athletes we can. I got the title and I don’t want nothing taken away from me. And the best way I can do that is being locked in with my health,” he said.
The brothers’ comments align with remarks Andrew made during a November 2025 appearance on the Uncaged Network podcast, where he revealed that testing protocols were already being prepared behind the scenes.
“We’re starting December on that, or in the new year I believe. Their shows all next year they want to do testing for everything,” he said at the time, suggesting the rollout had been in development well before the public announcement.
Andrew has been openly enthusiastic about the direction the organization is heading, repeatedly voicing support for stricter oversight. “I like testing. I think it’s cool. It keeps everyone honest,” he said, arguing that formal protocols would help restore competitive integrity.
He added that the system would level the playing field regardless of whether every athlete fully complies. “Everyone’s competing at the same level, or if some people are getting around it somehow, they’re still locked in and being pretty honest,” he said.
His vision for the promotion is equally direct and centers on raising professional standards across the roster. “I want only professionals in the UFC. I don’t want just any random person to be able to get into the UFC, compete, and not have to do a test or a proper weight cut,” he said.
UFC BJJ is an organization that has historically operated without formal oversight of its athletes. Implementing PED testing would place the promotion more in line with MMA and other mainstream athletic organizations that have long maintained anti-d*ping programs.
