Pat Downey went through IBJJF No-Gi Worlds the way Jason Voorhees went through Camp Crystal Lake, leaving nothing but bodies in his wake. In fact, the former Bellator bruiser and NCAA Division I All-American out of Iowa State blew through his first four matches without conceding a single point.
That’s when the sh*t hit the proverbial fan.
Downey submitted Shamil Murtazaliev to complete the blue belt sweep at 5-0, but his post-match shenanigans — which Downey later admitted was an “excessive celebration” — led to words being exchanged on both sides; and eventually, hands being thrown. Downey was disqualified and lost his gold medal in the process.
Murtazaliev was slapped with a two-year ban for starting the brawl.
“I apologized to my opponent’s coach for my excessive celebration,” Downey wrote on Instagram. “I was just so proud and excited over my dominant performances that I wanted to let out some emotion after winning by first BJJ world title in such dominant fashion. I never conceded a single point or even gave up an advantage the entire tournament. my work is working. I’m just getting started. Shoutout to my all my coaches, friends, family and sponsors. This is the last time I’ll address and give attention to this situation.”
I’m at no gi worlds right now but didn’t see this in person unfortunately
For complete IBJJF No-Gi Worlds results and highlights click here.
“[Fck] the IBJJF for not giving me my GOLD medal that I earned by submitting and outscoring EVERY opponent,” Downey added. “I hope y’all enjoyed the PD3 show because i promise this is the last time this federation will ever get to profit off of my performance. Any promotions that are not softer than baby sht feel free to hit my line. Competing is my favorite thing in the world. I’m the best blue belt on [earth].”
Despite the kerfuffle, Downey, 32, was later promoted to purple belt.
Super sandbagging for him to compete at blue belt, no wonder he smoked everyone lol
What a clown
Excessive celebration for winning blue belt? Really? Hasn’t he won way higher level competitions?
So he won’t be competing as a blue belt for 12 years?
When’s CJ getting more money?
Craig Jones? He secured the bag a few days ago.
Blue belt?!?!?!?!
Sandbag much?
This 100%
This is why the sport of BJJ is hard to take seriously.
Throw belts away. Make everyone comepete against each other. The cream rises to the top.
Ya got a little excited there for winning the blue belt division huh Pat? lol 
I agree Blue Belt is well below his skill level, but I wouldn’t classify it as sandbagging. IBJJF wouldn’t let him register for anything higher than Blue.
IBJJF rules states no minimum time at white belt, so he had no choice but to enter as a Blue, no matter experience in other grappling disciplines.
And a competitor has to stay Blue for minimum of 2 years, unless they win Blue Belt Worlds. Which Pat did, and is why he got his purple belt.
Helen Maroulis (best US female Olympic wrestler ever) had to deal with the same thing. She also won Worlds.
This is par for the course pat
National treasure this guy
But act like you’ve been there and winning was a formality. Guy acting like he just won the world championship…I guess he technically did.
