Joe Solecki MMA

11/03/2026

One year ago, I started over at 32 years old.

I spent my entire adult life chasing the dream of fighting in the UFC. After 10 years competing professionally, I walked away from the only career I’d ever known to start a new chapter with my family.

It’s been a great first year. We’ve been fortunate to grow the academy, build a strong community, make some great memories, and spend more time doing the things that matter most. I truly love what I get to do every day and don’t take for granted the opportunity to do it.

Thank you to all of our students at Solecki Jiu Jitsu Academy, our friends who stuck by and supported us along the way, and especially my wife, Kacey, for believing in the vision and helping make it happen.

We’re grateful for where we’re at and looking forward to what’s ahead.

Proverbs 3:5-6.

10/30/2026

Had a great time on this podcast talking about our Academy and the journey this past year has been as we approach our 1 Year Anniversary of Solecki Jiu Jitsu Academy! Check it out at the link!

Joe Solecki fought in the UFC. When he opened his own jiu jitsu gym...

10/19/2026

Promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu this past weekend by my lifelong instructor, John Hassett.

I started my journey in September 1999, and 27 years later, I’ve never been more excited about Jiu Jitsu than right now. I had a longer and rougher path than some, especially early on. But on good days, bad days, tired, injured, excited, down, after wins, and after losses, I just kept training.

Every good gift comes from the Lord, and looking back, I can see how much He has used Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for blessings, lessons, experiences, and relationships that have shaped my life. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met, the things I’ve learned, and the opportunities I’ve been given along the way.

I hope to keep doing this and be on the mats for as long as He allows, in whatever capacity that may be.

10/12/2026

The finish in the Finals of Pans

I’ve done a lot of competing but this one stands out over any other competition, match, or even a lot of my MMA fights. Even though it’s just a tournament at Masters 1, not a superfight, or a fight with walkout, lights, cameras etc… this was more special than a lot of those to me.

The biggest thing was coming off a big lane change, stepping away from MMA and back into BJJ, and a version of competition Bjj that is really different than what I was used to. The last time I was competing BJJ often and at a high level was 12 years ago. The “MMA Jiu Jitsu” stigma is a narrative I have had to combat as well as relearning a ton of new tactics, skills, and more.

I just wanted a little proof that the work was paying off and I could do it at a high level. Onto the next one!

10/03/2026

2026 IBJJF Pan Nogi M1 Black Belt Middle Champion 🥇

3-0 with 3 finishes against some tough opponents at one of the biggest nogi events in the world. Thanking God for another day doing what I love alongside good people.

Thank you to all of the students at who are my main training partners to prepare for competition now for getting me ready and making me want to keep getting better. On to the next!

08/16/2026

Another competition session with 24 people on the mats… so cool as a coach/new academy owner to get to be on the mats with so many great people who all just want to get a little extra work in.

Training for Competition, self defense, etc… none of this is that serious. Just a lot of fun. Started this journey in BJJ as a hobbyist in ‘99…. And now Still just a hobbyist who never stopped loving the sport. Thanks for enjoying it with me guys!

07/24/2026

Getting back in the swing and feeling at home back on the competition mats. Excited for what’s to come!

Act 2️⃣

07/20/2026

Contract signed this past weekend!

After retiring from MMA and opening my academy, I thought the chance to compete in high level grappling or on a big stage would probably be done.

Excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to announce it soon. Time to work!

07/19/2026

A great day on the mats at IBJJF Virginia Open!

M1 Black Belt Middle 🥇
2-0 with 2 Submissions. Excited to stay active and keep trying to get better.

06/18/2026

An interview I did recently where we got to talk about retirement, our Jiu Jitsu Academy and more. Thanks for having me!

UFC athlete Joe Solecki sat down with Danny Podolsky on his Jiu-Jit...