Andrew Tackett’s recent performance against Nicky Ryan at the CJI left fans buzzing, not just for the slick grappling exchanges but also for a cheeky moment that added some flavor to the match.
Tackett, known for his relentless pace and control, set the tone early in the first round with a strong wrestling exchange that saw him take Ryan down swiftly. From there, it was a clinic in positional dominance.
Ryan, ever the tactician, tried to throw Tackett off with a jumping triangle, but Tackett’s wrestling acumen shone through. He secured a takedown and transitioned to a north-south position, keeping Ryan under constant pressure. As the round progressed, Tackett moved into a shin-across-face position, a move that made it clear who was in charge. Despite Ryan’s attempts to slow the tempo, Tackett maintained an iron grip on control, never letting Ryan find his rhythm.
In the second round, Tackett’s strategy became even more evident. He immediately took Ryan’s back, showcasing his aggressive approach. Ryan managed a brief escape, but Tackett quickly reclaimed control, transitioning seamlessly between dominant positions. The match saw Tackett rotate from mount to back control and back to north-south, each time applying pressure that Ryan struggled to counter.
It was at this time, Tackett saw fit to exploit his dominant position and take things perhaps a step too far. He opted to give Ryan a wet willy. Ryan wasn’t particularly offended, he was more exasparated at being out matched in this particular contest.
Although Ryan attempted a guillotine late in the round, Tackett’s defense held strong, and the round ended with him firmly in control, earning 10-8 scores from all the judges.
Tackett’s playful yet dominant display left fans and commentators alike in awe, with the final scorecards reading 30-24, 30-25, and 30-25 in his favor.
Tackett would end up winning the $20,000 prize as the most exciting competitor at the Invitational. He delivered an all time classic against Kade Ruotolo in semi finals. Many BJJ fans are speculating that Ruotolo vs Tackett is the match capable of altering the history of BJJ in a manner similar to how TUF saved the UFC.
You can catch the full replay of CJI on youtube.
