‘I Copied Brazilians Who Were Never Penalized for doing that’

Pat Downey, a high-profile All-American wrestler and rising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, has sparked significant debate with his allegations of racial bias following his disqualification at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championship. The incident, which occurred during his blue belt competition, has highlighted concerns about inconsistent rule enforcement and bias within the federation.

The Disqualification Incident

Downey’s disqualification occurred after he submitted his opponent, leaving them unconscious on the mat. However, instead of celebrating a victory, Downey found himself penalized for a celebratory gesture: a throat cut gesture which has been done by many high profile BJJ champions. Reflecting on the disqualification, he remarked, “Here’s how racist the IBJJF is… where did I learn this from? So many Brazilians after they submit the opponent.” Downey explained that his gesture was one he had seen performed frequently by other competitors without penalty.

“All I’m doing is emulating the gesture I’ve seen done at your Federation that you’ve never penalized,” Downey asserted, pointing out what he believes to be a double standard.

Downey’s frustration deepened as he described the aftermath. “Oh, coincidentally the Gringo who just ran through your bracket, who’s about to do the same at the absolute, now I can’t get on the podium and collect my medal,” he said, highlighting the severity of the penalty and its impact on his standing.

Related:

A Call for Accountability

The controversy surrounding Downey’s disqualification has intensified as the IBJJF has yet to comment publicly on the matter. Meanwhile, a separate incident involving competitor Shamil Murtazaliev, who was banned for two years for post-match misconduct, has added to the perception of inconsistency in the federation’s rulings. Despite Murtazaliev’s ban, Downey’s disqualification stood, preventing him from medaling at the tournament.

Downey has made it clear that he believes his penalty was unfairly targeted. “I’ve never seen them penalize a Brazilian for doing this gesture,” he stated, reiterating his belief that the decision was influenced by racial bias rather than rule violations.

Criticism of IBJJF Rule Enforcement

Downey’s experience has reignited broader criticisms of the IBJJF’s judging and scoring practices. He called for greater transparency and clarity in the organization’s rule set, arguing that the current system leaves too much room for subjective interpretation.

“I really hope they have a more clearly defined rule set for the judges and the fans and the scoring,” Downey emphasized. “Maybe they add some points to make it a public scoring so we know who’s winning and losing—it’s not just opinionated.”

A Complex Legacy

Despite the setback, Downey’s career in BJJ continues to gain momentum. He was promoted to purple belt shortly after the tournament, a testament to his skills and determination. However, the controversy has cast a shadow over his achievements and raised important questions about equity in the sport.

For Downey, the disqualification represents more than a personal disappointment—it is a call to address systemic issues within the IBJJF. As he continues to compete and speak out, his advocacy may drive much-needed reforms in judging standards and accountability, ensuring a fairer playing field for all athletes.