Andrew Tackett picked up three submissions on his way to winning the CJJ Worlds 2023: The Welterweights.
On Sunday, 19-year-old black belt Andrew Tackett fought his way to a combat jiu-jitsu title, and he did it in spectacular fashion. The Brazilian Fight Factory representative defeated four high-level opponents at the CJJ Worlds 2023: The Welterweights, displaying phenomenal back attacks and submission skills throughout the 16-man tournament.
Tackett made quick work of his first three opponents. In the first round, he took on Nicholas Willey. After scoring a clean takedown in the opening seconds, Tackett wasted no time in finding his way to the back where he sunk in a rear-naked choke in under three minutes total.
Next, in the quarterfinal round, Tackett faced veteran Bobby Emmons. Again, Tackett imposed his wrestling advantage early to bring the match to the mat where he made a lightning-fast move to his opponent’s back. And yet again, Tackett sunk in the rear-naked choke, this time securing the finish in less than 90 seconds.
The semifinals saw Tackett square off with New Wave prospect Davis Asare. This time, Tackett had to fight a bit harder for the takedown but did ultimately bring Asare down. From there, Tackett did what he had been doing all night – he took the back and latched onto a deep rear-naked choke, scoring the finish at just over two and a half minutes.
In the final, Tackett took on EBI champion and respected 10th Planet black belt Alan Sanchez. Tackett attacked from top position throughout the 10-minute regulation period, establishing mount several times, but was ultimately unable to secure the submission.
In overtime, Tackett showcased his top-tier back control as he maxed out his two minutes of control time for three straight rounds and successfully escaped Sanchez’s back control each time to earn the victory and CJJ welterweight title.
After the match, Tackett paid respect to Sanchez.
“This was a freaking tough bracket,” he said. “Alan Sanchez beat me at Emerald City two years ago so to beat him felt really good, and nothing but respect to him. He’s a great athlete.”
“The sky is the limit for me right now,” he added. “I’m young, I’m healthy I’m training every day so whatever comes my way, whoever calls me out, I’m ready. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in my life so I’m ready for whatever comes.”
An ADCC Open champion and ADCC West Coast Trials quarterfinalist, Tackett is one of the most promising young competitors in no-gi grappling, and this CJJ title will only add to that reputation.
Full CJJ Worlds 2023: The Welterweights results
Round of 16
- Derek Rayfield def. Shane Shapiro via submission (anaconda choke)
- Jacob Rosales def. Oscar De Los Santos via escape time in OT
- Aaron Harris def. Andrew Kochel via escape time in OT
- Alan Sanchez def. Ivan Leyva via submission (rear-naked choke)
- Davis Asare def. Kaleio Romero via submission (rear-naked choke)
- Mikey Gonzalez def. Aaron Wilson via submission (heel hook)
- Bobby Emmons def. Bruno Cannetti via escape time in OT
- Andrew Tackett def. Nicholas Willey via submission (rear-naked choke)
Quarterfinals
- Derek Rayfield def. Jacob Rosales via submission (dead Orchard)
- Alan Sanchez def. Aaron Harris via submission (guillotine choke)
- Davis Asare def. Mikey Gonzalez via submission (straight ankle lock)
- Andrew Tackett def. Bobby Emmons via submission (rear-naked choke)
Semifinals
- Alan Sanchez def. Derek Rayfield via submission (heel hook)
- Andrew Tackett def. Davis Asare via submission (rear-naked choke)
Final
- Andrew Tackett def. Alan Sanchez via escape time in OT
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