In BJJ, there are two things that go together besides Gordon Ryan and steroids (it’s a joke, people lighten up): the IBJJF and dumb decisions.
We’ve seen disqualifications for the “reap” maneuver and the whole Pat Downey drama. Now, we watched an MMA legend get shafted by an IBJJF referee for whatever reason.
The Downey Controversy
For those who don’t know, wrestler Pat Downey charged right through the blue belt division at the IBJJF No Gi World Championship in 2024. In the finals, he faced Shamil Murtazliev, and Downey choked him out with a head-and-arm choke. That was when all heck broke loose.
Murtazaliev’s corner started shouting at Downey, who responded by mocking his competitor. That was when Murtazaliev swung at Downey, and the two began to fight. Both competitors were disqualified.
In February, Downey said that after what happened in 2024, he would not compete in any IBJJF competition.
“It was a bummer because I didn’t get to score the points for my team Fight Sports either and then I didn’t get my medal but I still got what I came for, my purple belt,” Downey explained. “They said it was for the gestures and stuff. So I guess if he wouldn’t have swung on me and gotten himself DQ’d, he would have won and gotten the gold medal. So it’s pretty crazy, you know? They just don’t like when Brazilians aren’t winning. You’ll never catch me on the IBJJF again.”
Well, the IBJJF ensured that, issuing a five-year ban after Downey’s comment was posted to social media.
Not so ironically, Murtazaliev (from what could tell) was not suspended.
Inconsistent Officials
Now we come to Pans 2025 in Florida, where a referee did not award MMA GOAT Demetrious Johnson his two points.
Johnson stayed super professional about it, no doubt knowing the IBJJ would probably ban him at the drop of a hat, but the video was there for all to see.
Johnson was facing a far more seasoned BJJ competitor and two-time world masters champion in Leon Amancio who made great adjustments, slowing the MMA GOAT.
As MMA Maina reported, there was a moment where some say the referees shafted Johnson:
There was a bit of deliberation in one of the stand up exchanges, as Johnson was shooting in while Amancio was pulling guard. Should that have counted as a takedown, the MMA star would’ve received 2 points and taken the lead due to his one advantage. After the officials reviewed it though, they deemed that the guard pull happened first, and no points were awarded.
To be clear, that doesn’t mean Johnson would have won the fight. Leon Amancio was phenomenal (I really enjoyed watching Amancio), and he went all the way to the finals, earning a silver medal.
It’s really about the IBJJF’s record of questionable decisions regarding officials and rules.
Look, I think Downey should have been suspended for at least a year, but so should Murtazaliev and anyone else who was part of the drama. Fighting at an event is inappropriate, and if you let that stuff slide, it can get out of control. The two should have been suspended for a year immediately following the match.
But that is not what the IBJJF did.
Then you have an MMA legend who gets shafted by poor officiating on one of the most popular YouTube channels in the MMA world. It’s not a good look.
Look, I’m not slamming the IBJJF as a trash organization; it’s not. The BJJ worlds owe a lot to the IBJJF and it’s a great organization that drives the sport. It’s one of the places where a normie hobbyist can make a name for themself and go pro.
I want it to improve so BJJ gets even more popular.
