Pat Downey sleeps opponent at IBJJF worlds, gets into brawl and disqualified from tournament
Pat Downey had an eventful week.
Earlier this week, the former NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler ran roughshod over the competition at the IBJJF No Gi World Championships, running through the blue belt division en route to a win. Or, he would have, had things not gone haywire.
Downey faced Shamil Murtazaliev in the finals and was able to lock up a bout-ending front headlock choke, putting Murtazaliev to sleep. Afterward, Downey delivered a throat-slitting celebration, which angered Murtazaliev’s team. And when he woke up, Murtazaliev and Downey exchanged words, leading to Downey mocking Murtazaliev with a sleeping gesture, which in turn prompted Murtazaliev to start a brawl.
On Friday, Downey posted a response on social media, saying he apologized for his celebration at the time, and noting that things had become heated with Murtazaliev’s team during the fight.
“This is a different angle of the event that transpired in my IBJJF finals match last night. You can see the [Russian] team in the place reserved for coaches and blackbelts. Why did the federation not enforce their rules and policy? Why did they allow me to be antagonized? I apologized to my opponents coach for my excessive celebration. I was just so proud and excited over my dominant performances that I wanted to let out some emotion after winning [my] 1st 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.”
The IBJJF didn’t pay this any heed, and as a result of the brawl, both men were disqualified from the competition. Downey was not very pleased with that decision and declared he will no longer compete for the IBJJF.
“[F*ck] the IBJJF for not giving me my GOLD medal that I earned by submitting and outscoring EVERY opponent. 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 shit, feel free to hit my line. Competing is my favorite thing in the world. I’m the best blue belt on [Earth].”
If there is one silver lining for Downey, he’s no longer a blue belt. The Iowa State Cyclone was promoted to purple belt by his coaches following the event.