This article is part of our Craig Jones Invitational 2024 coverage. To get live results, play by play, and commentary, we’ll have a live updates article running all weekend.
In a surprising turn of events, elite wrestler Pat Downey has now joined the over 80kg division at the Craig Jones Invitational. Although he doesn’t have anywhere near as much BJJ experience as any of the other men in his bracket, he has probably spent more time on the mats in general than the majority of them. He was an incredible talent throughout his career in wrestling but had several legal issues and controversial moments. In the end his highest achievements were an NJCAA title and his status as an NCAA Division I All-American, followed by a US National championship in freestyle wrestling.
Downey has since transitioned to submission grappling and even had a short professional MMA career at Bellator as well. He took on a huge challenge in his very first experience with Jiu-Jitsu, as he faced Gordon Ryan in a pair of matches under each of their preferred rulesets. He’s since had several more matches with mixed results and went 1-1 during his time as a professional MMA fighter before eventually being released by Bellator. Despite that, a fully-motivated Downey is still a terrifying opponent and with a million dollars on the line he will definitely be giving it everything he has.
Pat Downey isn’t the first wrestler to join the incredibly stacked lineup for the Craig Jones Invitational either, although he is the only one in the over 80kg division so far. Three-time NCAA Division I champion Jason Nolf joined the under 80kg division and he will also be one to watch when the tournament begins. Downey is a very tough opponent for anyone but there’s one man in particular who will be out for revenge, as Nicky Rodriguez lost a wrestling match to him 12-0 several years ago.
The Craig Jones Invitational announced the news that Pat Downey will be entering the over 80kg division in a recent post to their official Instagram account:
