Early career Downing started his professional career in 2009. Until October 2011, he fought for many promotions throughout the United States, most notably
Bellator and
Shark Fights. For Bellator, he faced Chad Vandenberg and
Danny Tims. Downing defeated Vandenberg via submission in the third round, and defeated Tims via split decision (30-27 Downing, 29-28 Tims, 30-27 Downing). For Shark Fights, he faced
Ran Weathers and Roberto Vargas. Downing defeated Weathers by knockout early in the first round, but against Vargas, he had his first defeat via split decision (30-27 Vargas, 30-27 Vargas, 30-27 Downing).
Resurrection Fighting Alliance Downing fought in the first two events of
Resurrection Fighting Alliance. He defeated Eric Marriott at
RFA 1: Elliott vs. Pulver and Alessandro Ferreira at
RFA 2: Yvel vs. Alexander, both via unanimous decision. Downing faced
Jordan Rinaldi on November 30, 2012, at
RFA 5: Downing vs. Rinaldi. He defeated Rinaldi in a five-round bout via unanimous decision to become the promotion's first-ever featherweight champion. Downing faced
Lance Palmer on June 21, 2013, at
RFA 8: Pettis vs. Pegg in his first title defense. Downing lost his title via split decision after five rounds (48-46 Downing, 48-46 Palmer, 48-46 Palmer).
Second Bellator run After some years away from the promotion, Downing was called to replace an injured
Rob Emerson against
Patricio Freire on July 31, 2013, at
Bellator 97. He was defeated via TKO in the second round. Downing faced
The Ultimate Fighter 5 competitor
Rob Emerson on October 18, 2013, at
Bellator 104. He lost via submission early in the first round. ==Championships and accomplishments==