ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship
In 1998 Taktarov, who was known as a strong grappler in mixed martial arts, competed in ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. He had previously trained with Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners Wallid Ismail, Ricardo Liborio and Carlos Barreto. Taktarov fought a "superfight" with multiple champion Mario Sperry, who ultimately defeated Taktarov by points after passing his guard.