Pat Downey Goes From Beating The Best Black Belts To Taking on Blue Belts: A New Challenge or Sandbagging?

Pat Downey

In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the BJJ world, wrestling standout Pat Downey is shifting gears from top-tier grappling matchups to a whole new arena: the IBJJF Blue Belt No-Gi World Championships. Known for taking on elite competition—including black belt titans like Nick Rodriguez, Gordon Ryan, and even former UFC champ Luke Rockhold at the Craig Jones Invitational—Downey’s next competition seems like a major change of pace. Instead of grappling legends, he’ll be up against blue belts, many of whom are more accustomed to open-mat weekends than high-stakes superfights.

Pat Downey Competing At Blue Belt

This decision follows a successful start to Downey's jiu-jitsu journey. After dominating some of the best grapplers in the world, Downey announced his move to the blue belt division with no shortage of confidence, even declaring, “Best blue belt on (earth)!” His entry into the 2024 IBJJF No-Gi Worlds this December will pit him against athletes who may be years behind him in skill level, but are certainly ready for the challenge of facing such a renowned competitor.

Not one to shy away from big claims, Downey added a dash of humor by reassuring the “older blue belts and dads” who had their eye on Las Vegas this December that he won’t be competing in the Masters division (for athletes age 30 and up). This cheeky comment has only fueled the conversation online: is Downey here for a new challenge, or is he just sandbagging? While his years of elite wrestling experience and recent BJJ success certainly set him apart, competing in the blue belt ranks is technically allowed, as he’s still relatively new to the jiu-jitsu game.

Is It Sandbagging or Simply Following the Rules?

For some fans, Downey’s choice to compete at this level feels like a step down. While his BJJ rank is still that of a beginner, his athletic background and time on the mats have already fast-tracked his grappling abilities. Wrestling champions entering BJJ at lower ranks is a recurring debate, as they bring a refined skill set that doesn’t always match their jiu-jitsu rank but definitely poses a challenge to other competitors.

Others argue that this move could be a smart way to build experience and allow Downey to adjust fully to the specific techniques and styles of BJJ without rushing through the ranks. After all, the transition from wrestling to BJJ is complex, requiring different muscle memory, submissions, and defensive techniques. A less intense division could give him time to work out the kinks before facing black belts on the global stage regularly.

What Does This Mean for the IBJJF Blue Belt Scene?

Regardless of whether his opponents are up to the task, one thing is clear: Downey’s participation in the blue belt division will bring added attention and intensity to the bracket. For many, competing against an athlete like Downey is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it may even provide some of his opponents with a career highlight, regardless of the outcome.

So, what’s your take? Is Pat Downey sandbagging, or is he simply making a reasonable progression in his BJJ journey? Let us know what you think, and don’t miss the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds this December to see how this wrestling champion fares against the blue belts!