Bellator signs Pat Downey, former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler

Pat Downey is headed to Bellator MMA.

A Bellator official confirmed Downey’s signing Thursday to MMA Junkie after an initial report from journalist Ariel Helwani. No date or opponent has been set for Downey’s debut.

Downey, 29, was a USA Wrestling world team member, ranked No. 10 in the world, an undefeated 2019 senior-level circuit, a Dave Schultz Memorial International champion, a competitor in the U.S. Open and World Team Trials, and NCAA All-American.

It’s always been one of Downey’s goals to compete in MMA. It’s just been a matter of when. In 2020, Downey told MMA Junkie his MMA career would follow the delayed Olympic trials. In April 2021, Downey came up short when he placed fourth in the trials. Last week, Downey announced his retirement from wrestling and pivot to MMA.

Downey encountered legal issues during his time as a standout wrestling recruit, stemming from fights. Downey was arrested multiple times from 2009-2010 and lost his full-ride scholarship to Penn State University.

His collegiate wrestling career consisted of stints at the University of Nebraska, Iowa Central Community College, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa.

“For me, fighting you usually have to pay to get out of trouble,” Downey told MMA Junkie in September 2020. “Now you’re telling me I can get paid to do this? Sign me up.”