UFC BJJ is set to implement testing protocols for its athletes. The confirmations marks a significant shift for a sport that has historically operated without PED testing.
During a November 2025 appearance on the Uncaged Network podcast, Andrew Tackett revealed that testing would begin in early 2026. The initiative represents UFC BJJ’s effort to establish itself as a legitimate professional combat sports organization, aligning it with standards already common in MMA and other mainstream athletic competitions.
“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.”
Tackett expressed strong support for the upcoming protocols, viewing them as essential to the sport’s evolution. He emphasized that testing would keep competitors honest and ensure athletes compete on level ground, even if some attempt to work around the rules.
“I like testing. I think it’s cool. It keeps everyone honest.”
“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 was equally direct about what he wants the division to become, a roster made up exclusively of disciplined professionals rather than open access competitors.
“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.”
Earlier in 2025, Mikey Musumeci suggested during promotional appearances that UFC BJJ testing might arrive closer to mid 2026. Tackett’s comments indicate that the timeline may have accelerated, suggesting internal pressure to formalize standards sooner rather than later.
Tackett also addressed another controversial reality of the sport, aggressive weight cutting. He noted that many competitors shed massive amounts of weight and implied that some combine these cuts with performance enhancement methods to maintain strength and recovery. According to Tackett, mandatory testing would force athletes to approach competition more responsibly and remove practices that have quietly become normalized.
Claudia Gadelha, UFC BJJ exec, has reportedly stated that the organization is not interested in signing Gordon Ryan due to his publicly acknowledged PED use. Another point of interest is if the organization is testing only champions or the whole roster. This decision would significantly impact the playing field and the economics of the promotion as well. Previously they’ve indicated they would be testing only champions but it’s unclear at this point.
The organization faces logistical challenges and cultural resistance from a community that has long operated without oversight. Some competitors may gravitate toward untested events, while others will welcome the move toward ‘trensparency’.
