Dan Severn

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Dan Severn
Severn in 2016
BornDaniel DeWayne Severn
(1958-06-08) June 8, 1958 (age 65)
Coldwater, Michigan, U.S.
Other namesThe Beast
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight253 lb (115 kg; 18 st 1 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Openweight
StyleWrestling
StanceSouthpaw
Fighting out ofMontrose, Michigan, U.S.
Rank5th Dan Black Belt in Judo
2nd Dan Black Belt in Jujutsu
WrestlingTwo-time NCAA Division I All-American, Olympic alternate 1984, 1988
Years active1991–present (Professional wrestling)
1994–2013 (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total120
Wins101
By knockout23
By submission54
By decision24
Losses19
By knockout5
By submission7
By decision7
UniversityArizona State University
SpouseRhiannon Severn
Websitedansevern.com
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing the  United States
Men's freestyle wrestling
World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1986 Toledo 100 kg
World Super Championships
Silver medal – second place 1985 Tokyo 100 kg
Pan American Championships
Gold medal – first place 1986 Colorado Springs 100 kg
Junior World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1977 Las Vegas 90 kg
Ring name(s)
  • Dan Severn
  • The Beast
Billed height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Billed weight250 lb (113 kg)
Billed fromFlint, Michigan
Trained byAl Snow
Debut1991

Daniel DeWayne Severn (born June 8, 1958), nicknamed "the Beast", is an American professional wrestler, retired mixed martial artist[1] and amateur wrestler. A UFC Hall of Fame member, Severn is considered one of the leading pioneers of mixed martial arts[2][3] and the first true world-class wrestler to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[4] He is best known for his success in the early years of the UFC where he became the first UFC Triple Crown champion in history by winning the UFC 5 tournament, Ultimate Ultimate 1995, and UFC Superfight Championship. Severn has also competed in King of the Cage, PRIDE FC, Cage Rage, WEC, RINGS and MFC, and holds a professional MMA Record of 101–19–7.

In professional wrestling, Severn is a two-time world champion by winning the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship twice, with his first reign lasting for over four years, and an NWA Hall of Fame member. During his almost year-long tenure with the World Wrestling Federation, he was managed by Jim Cornette.[5] He is the first man to compete in UFC and WWF at the same time and held the NWA and UFC championships at the same time. Severn is a world record holder for holding 13 championships.[6] He is also the only person to be honored by the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame three times.[7]

In amateur wrestling, Severn was a two time All-American at Arizona State University and a U.S. Olympic Team alternate.[8]

Early life[edit]

Severn was born and raised in mid-Michigan, living in both Montrose and Coldwater, and grew up farming. He learned a lot on the farm and "got his hands dirty".[9]

Severn was a basketball player during junior high school. He was influenced in sports from a young age. During his teen years, he took part in combat sports as he competed in amateur wrestling. He says that the coach approached him to fill in for a weight class in amateur wrestling after a sickness had gone around his school and led to a shortage of competitors, Severn signed to compete for the high school amateur wrestling team and received training.[10]

Amateur wrestling career[edit]

Severn has a long history in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. His amateur wrestling career started in high school and according to many was an "absolute machine" at 191.5 pounds. He won both sports' national championships in 1976 and was named the "Outstanding High School wrestler in the nation". Before his 18th birthday, he placed in the Olympic trials.[11] Severn was inducted into Arizona State University's wrestling hall of fame at the end of his collegiate career.

Severn was a two time All-American at Arizona State University,[12] the original Sunkist Kid of the Sunkist Kids,[13] and a wrestling coach at both his alma mater Arizona State and Michigan State. In addition to his home country, he has wrestled in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, England, and several other countries. Severn won a gold medal at the 1985 National Sports Festival, and a berth on the U.S. World team.[14]

Severn failed to win in Olympic trials in 1984 and 1988, and was a finalist in the trials. During the 1984 Olympic trials, he lost the final qualifying match in controversial fashion to eventual gold medal winner Lou Banach, a match that Severn credits with launching his career. "I would have retired in 1984 from competition had everything gone the way it should have gone...I should have been on the Olympic freestyle wrestling team and I should have won the gold medal. Instead, I went to Los Angeles as the alternate, and saw the guy I thought I beat win the gold medal. It was really tough for me to swallow that. That's what kept me going on."[11] In his long career, he has held many national and international titles. He was often introduced to the UFC Octagon as holding more than 100 in total. Severn also held the US national record for victories by pin from 1976 to 1992.

After completing his degree program and graduation Severn entered numerous competitions from 1982 to 1994 that took him to Japan, Hungary, Cuba, France, and Turkey. On each trip, Severn captured another title. He also secured 13 National AAU wrestling championships during those years. The Beast also tried his hand at coaching wrestling at ASU and Michigan State University as he continued to compete and excel after his collegiate career.

Severn has been profiled in the press around the world in such publications as USA Today, People, Karate and Kung Fu Illustrated, Black Belt Magazine, MAD, Full Contact Fighter, and many of the pro wrestling publications. Severn also runs a wrestling product company and holds annual wrestling clinics for kids of all ages. He has appeared on 48 Hours, 20/20, The Gordon Elliott Show, Nash Bridges, and many commercials.

Severn has developed a 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) training facility on his property called "Michigan Sports Camps" in Coldwater, Michigan. This facility is able to house and train individuals for mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, amateur wrestling and professional wrestling.

Mixed martial arts career[edit]

Background[edit]

Severn started cross-training in Judo in college, in an effort to improve his wrestling skills.[15] Severn would later use his wrestling and Judo skills to compete in the Russian martial art of Sambo, becoming AAU Sambo champion, while he also gained experience in Jujutsu prior to the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (1994–2000)[edit]

In 1994, Severn started competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). In his first fight at UFC 4, he surprised many UFC fans by executing two impressive back suplexes on Anthony Macias. In the finals, Severn was defeated by Royce Gracie who secured a triangle choke for the victory. The submission loss came after Severn avoided Gracie's submission efforts for 15 minutes, the longest UFC fight up until that time. He was the first world-class wrestler to enter the UFC, foreshadowing the period of dominance by wrestlers such as Don Frye in UFC 8 and 9 and Mark Coleman in UFC 10 and 11.

Severn soon returned to mixed martial arts competition, defeating several opponents to capture the tournament championship at UFC 5: Return of the Beast. Severn's second fight was with Russian Oleg Taktarov at UFC 5. He won by TKO after the referee stopped the fight due to a cut.

After winning UFC 5, Severn was matched up with Ken Shamrock at UFC 6 to determine the first UFC Superfight Champion, but was defeated by Shamrock early in the fight via submission.

Severn then entered the UFC's Ultimate Ultimate 1995, which at the time was the toughest and most competitive tournament in UFC history, consisting of past UFC tournament champions and runners-up. Severn defeated Paul Varelans, David "Tank" Abbott, and UFC 6 Tournament Champion Oleg Taktarov all in the same night to capture the tournament title.

With this win, Severn earned a rematch and title shot against then current UFC Champion Ken Shamrock for the UFC Superfight Championship. Severn won a split decision in what most fans regard as one of the worst fights in MMA history, mainly due to legal issues surrounding the event.[16] With the win, Severn captured his third title for the promotion.

Severn in the ring in 2010

When Severn made his entrance in his fights, he would carry the National Wrestling Alliance Worlds Heavyweight Championship out of his respect and passion for professional wrestling. Conversely, he made his entrance in WWF with his UFC Championship.

In 1996, Severn managed his friend and fellow wrestler and judoka Don Frye, as well as wrestling champion Dan Bobish, in their own mixed martial arts ventures. Frye would win the UFC 8, UFC 10 and Ultimate Ultimate 96 tournaments. The team was also expanded with female judoka Becky Levi.

In 1999, Severn founded 'The Danger Zone', a new mixed martial arts promotion intended to provide a platform for amateur fighters, in which Severn also fought. Severn has also trained and became a mentor to notable mixed martial artists including former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans, The Ultimate Fighter competitor Luke Zachrich, Sean Sherk, and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.[17]

In 2000, Severn returned to the UFC for UFC 27, quickly losing to Pedro Rizzo after a kick to the knee.

Severn was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at UFC 52.[18]

Later career (2000–2013)[edit]

Severn continued his MMA career on January 29, 2011, by racking up his 97th, and 8th straight, win over Scott Fraser. In doing so he won the Elite 1 Heavyweight championship. The end came at 4:59 of Round 2 as Fraser tapped to Severn's arm triangle which he has used to secure his last three victories. The event took place at the Casino New Brunswick in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.[19]

Severn defeated Cal Worsham again, this time via unanimous decision in the main event of Legends Collide 2 on February 20, 2011. Held under the long running Gladiator Challenge promotion in San Jacinto, California, Severn picked up his 9th straight win to improve his record to 98–16–7.[20]

Severn earned his 100th career victory on April 16, 2011, with a submission victory over Aaron Garcia at KOTC: Texas.[21]

Severn is one of only two fighters with over 100 wins in mixed martial arts. He has beaten the other fighter, Travis Fulton, and drew against him in the rematch.[22][23]

Retirement and attempted return to competition (2013–2016)[edit]

On January 1, 2013, Severn announced his retirement from MMA competition.[24]

Severn was scheduled to face fellow mixed martial arts veteran Ken Shamrock on March 20, 2016, in a MMA match for the upstart URFight promotion. However, Shamrock claimed to have been injured during his bout with Royce Gracie at Bellator 149, and was later suspended after his pre-fight blood sample tested positive for banned substances. Tank Abbott was brought in as a late replacement but failed a pre-fight physical and the bout was scrapped altogether. Severn later appeared at the event and articulated his plans to continue his fighting career and his hopes to fight at a future URFight event.[25] Severn later released a statement condemning Shamrock's actions and casting doubt upon his injury claims.[26]

Professional wrestling career[edit]

Early career (1992–1995)[edit]

As Severn is accomplished in amateur wrestling, he is also an accomplished professional wrestler, having competed in shoot style wrestling for UWF International in Japan, as well as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the US. Severn claims Lou Thesz as an influence to professional wrestling. Thesz would later become a fan of Severn after watching him compete in UWFi and UFC, praising Severn's wrestling skills.

Severn originally started competing in professional wrestling in 1992 for UWF-I (Universal Wrestling Federation International) under the Union Of Professional Wrestling Force. This is the international version and not to be confused with UWF-J which is the Japanese version. In his debut match on November 25, 1992, he defeated Yuko Miyato. (also known as Shigeo Miyato)[27] He then defeated the likes of Yoji Anjo, and Kiyoshi Tamura, which lead to 1993. On February 14, 1993, Dan Severn was defeated by Nobuhiko Takada. This was Severn's first official loss in professional wrestling.

On January 28, 1994, Severn began to wrestle for All American Pro Wrestling (AAPW) and faced Shinobi in a winning effort. One day later he beat his former trainer, Al Snow on an AAPW show.[28] Severn began to branch out to other promotions such as Border City Wrestling (BCW) and Continental Championship Wrestling (CCW). On August 13, 1993, in UWF-I, Severn and Gary Albright defeated Kiyoshi Tamura and Nobuhiko Takada. This was Severn's first tag team match, thus beginning his tag team career. 1993 was the first year that Severn made the Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500, at No. 389.[29]

During his time with the Union Of Professional Wrestling Force International, Severn participated in the Best Of The World 1994 tournament, Dan finished before the semi-finals.[30]

On February 18, 1995, Severn was the number one contender against Bruiser Bedlam for Midwest Territorial Wrestling Heavyweight Championship at a Midwest Territorial Wrestling (MTW) event. However, the match ended in a no contest thus saw Bedlam retain the title.

National Wrestling Alliance (1995–2010)[edit]

NWA World Heavyweight Champion (1995–1999)[edit]

Severn entered the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1995, making his debut for the governing body at an event on January 6, by defeating Johnny Johnson in a "wrestler versus boxer" match. On February 24, Severn defeated Chris Candido to capture his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship at a Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) event. Severn made his first title defense on March 17 against Benson Lee at a Steel City Wrestling event, where he retained the title. He went on to win the UFC 5 tournament Championship in April, making him the first and only man to hold an MMA and a professional wrestling championship simultaneously.

Severn defended the title on various NWA promotions, with most of his title defenses taking place in NWA New Jersey. His challengers during his first year of title reign included Osamu Nishimura, Tommy Cairo, Max Anthony, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Andre Baker, Tony Monroe, Geza Kalman Jr., and Jim Neidhart. He also returned to SMW, retaining the title against Bobby Blaze twice, at Charlotte Memories and Superbowl of Wrestling. He toured Japan, competing for International Wrestling Association (IWA) at Kawasaki Dream where he defeated Tarzan Goto to retain the title in front of a massive 28,000 fans at the Kawasaki Stadium. Severn was ranked No. 4 for the "most inspirational wrestler" award and No. 35 on the PWI 500 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1995.[31]

Severn continued to retain the title in 1996, against the likes of Jim Neidhart, Ghetto Blaster, Repo Man, and Geza Kalman Jr. He also defeated his trainer Al Snow at the First Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl. He retained the title throughout 1997 against Harley Lewis, Jimmy Cicero, Johnny Paradise, Devon Storm and Typhoon. Severn also defended the title against the legendary Dory Funk Jr. at the Second Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl. The match ended in a double count-out, resulting in Severn retaining the title. In the autumn of 1997, Severn returned to IWA Japan, where he retained the World Heavyweight Championship twice, against The Great Kabuki and Leatherface.

Severn held onto the title throughout 1998, retaining against Franz Schuhmann at the Third Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl. The other challengers for the title whom he defeated that year included Rod Price, Paul Atlas, Rik Ratchet, Lance Diamond, Doug Gilbert, Sgt. Craig Pittman, Doink the Clown and Mike Roselli. Severn's final two title defenses were at major supercards, the first against Steven Regal at 50th Anniversary Show and Hack Meyers at NWA Florida event WrestleGrowl '98. Severn defeated both challengers to retain the title.

After holding the title for four years, Severn lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Naoya Ogawa at a Universal Fighting-Arts Organization event Battle in the Hama Ring on March 14, 1999. Severn's reign was the longest reign in over two decades and the third-longest reign in the history of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Severn would challenge Ogawa for the title in a rematch at NWA Southwest on May 28. The match ended in a double count-out. It was restarted but ended in a five-minute time-limit draw.

Return to the NWA (2001–2002, 2006)[edit]

Severn returned to NWA by appearing at a NWA Florida event February Fury on February 20, 2001. The following year, Severn defeated Shinya Hashimoto to win his second NWA World Heavyweight Championship at a Pro Wrestling Zero-One event Vast Energy on March 3, 2002. He defended the title only once against Big Kahuna at a Canadian Wrestling Federation (CWF) event on April 14. The match ended in a no contest. This title reign was controversial and short-lived, as the title was stripped from Severn when he was unable to appear on the inaugural Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view to defend his title; the belt was won that evening by Ken Shamrock. On July 5, Severn challenged Hotstuff Hernandez for the NWA National Heavyweight Championship. The match ended in a double disqualification.

Severn returned to NWA at its United Kingdom-based territory NWA UK Hammerlock, where he defeated Johnny Moss on February 16, 2006. Severn lost the title back to Moss two days later on February 18.

NWA Hall of Fame (2010)[edit]

In 2010, Severn was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame.[32]

World Wrestling Federation (1997–1999)[edit]

Severn made his first appearance in the WWF with the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship on June 23, 1997, to join the color commentary team. Severn had not signed a contract with WWF by this point. He commentated on Ken Shamrock's match against Rockabilly (Billy Gunn). Ken won the match with a belly-to-belly suplex followed by an ankle lock. After the match, the two had a stare down and eventually shook hands.[33]

As NWA champion, Severn debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in 1998 during a story line where the NWA invaded the WWF. Severn also wrestled on NWA territories at the same time during his tenure with the WWF. Severn was first seen attacking The Headbangers when they were feuding with Bob Holly and Bart Gunn, who were a part of the NWA invasion. In his debut match, he defeated Flash Funk in quick fashion. He was briefly managed by Jim Cornette who commentated during his matches and helped "get him over". During his entrance, he and Jim carried his titles consisting of UFC/MMA championship belts and the NWA world's heavyweight title. Cornette stated that "He has so many titles he keeps some at home because he can't take them in the airport", which is why Dan brought his most prestigious championships. His character was portrayed as a heel (villain). Like Flash Funk, he defeated multiple opponents afterwards, the likes of Savio Vega and Mosh, in quick fashion and by showing some of his Mixed Martial style and ability. This led to a winning streak. The NWA invasion was brief and saw the debut of The Midnight Express and a repackaged Jeff Jarrett. Barry Windham was also a member. Severn would tag team with these members from the stable. Severn would then leave the stable soon after to continue further singles competition on his own.

He feuded with old MMA rival Ken Shamrock, where the WWF played up their history in UFC. During his one-year tenure, he competed in the Brawl for All tournament, (a legitimate shoot boxing competition) beating The Godfather in the first round. However, he withdrew prior to the quarterfinals, allowing The Godfather to advance by default. He would also take part in the 1998 King of the Ring tournament, defeating D'Lo Brown and Owen Hart before losing to The Rock in the semi-finals.

Dan made his WWF Shotgun Saturday night debut in the opening match against G.I Will in a squash match. On the June 8, 1998, episode of Monday Night Raw, Severn would (kayfabe) injure Brown's rib cage via the bow and arrow submission hold, causing him to wear a chest protector for the next few months.[34] On July 28, 1998, Severn competed against D'Lo Brown for the WWF European Championship. He would win the match by disqualification, meaning Brown retained the championship.

Later that year he was involved in a storyline with Owen Hart, where Hart caused an (kayfabe) injury to the neck of Severn, via a piledriver.[35] He was part of the 1999 Royal Rumble, being the 8th entrant and lasting almost 6 minutes before being eliminated by Mabel. He left the WWF due to creative differences. His last match was on the following Raw, where Steve Blackman defeated Severn via disqualification. In house shows leading up to this, Blackman would defeat Severn every time.

According to Severn, shortly before the 1999 Royal Rumble WWF asked to him to tattoo "666" on his forehead ("the mark of the beast") and become an Undertaker disciple, presumably as part of his Ministry of Darkness stable forming during that time. Severn refused to do this, telling the company that he was uncomfortable with the nature of the storyline. When the company responded by telling Severn that they would bury his character if he declined to do as they asked, Severn countered by threatening to use his legitimate wrestling and fighting skills to shoot on his coworkers and make them "look silly" in the process.[36] This caused the WWF to back off on the idea, but Severn still asked for and received a release not too long after.

Severn, in a recorded interview stated that the talent of the locker room was scared of him. He said he noticed this when they referred to him as "Mr. Severn" and thought it was a "rib" (joke) as well as wrestlers avoiding him. He asked one of the talent and they responded saying "You scare us. We're afraid that you're going to wig out in one of our matches."[37]

Independent promotions (2000–present)[edit]

Severn appeared in 2000 in the short-lived WXO promotion.

In 2006 Severn wrestled on AWE, the television series which had 1 season and 7 episodes on the fight network. After this, the AWE folded due to financial issues.

In 2015, on Great North Wrestling (GNW) Dan faced Hannibal for the Great North Wrestling Canadian Championship in a losing effort.[38]

In May 2016, Dan signed with AIW for a promotional deal. He was put into a championship tournament named the "JT Lightning Invitational Tournament 2016" Severn advanced by defeating Colin Delaney. Severn was knocked out of the tournament in the semi-finals in a fatal four-way match when Raymond Rowe was the victor against Dan, Tim Donst and Tracey Williams.

On February 4, 2017, Severn was inducted into the War Wrestling Hall of Fame in Lima, OH.

On May 12, 2017, Dan Severn competed at Gladiator Championship Wrestling against Brent Myers in a winning effort via his Beast Choker finishing submission move. Then on June 3, Dan returned to Price of Glory Wrestling where he defeated "so fine" Frank Isaac Anderson, who Severn trained to become a professional wrestler.

On March 17, 2019, Josh Barnett announced via Twitter that Severn would be participating in Game Changer Wrestling's (GCW) Bloodsport, an event that features worked matches presented in a shoot style. Severn competed against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir in Mir's professional wrestling debut at the event oN April 4.[39] Severn lost the match.

On April 5, 2019, Severn appeared for Major League Wrestling at their second Battle Riot event. He competed in the titular match, entering at number two and was eventually eliminated by Minoru Tanaka.[40]

Midwest Wrestling Alliance / Price of Glory Wrestling (2004–2018)[edit]

Severn founded Midwest Wrestling Alliance (MWA) with Mark Pennington, based out of Coldwater, Michigan in June 2004. Utilizing the many students at his pro wrestling school Michigan sports camps, they created the popular promotion running on a monthly basis. In 2005, the promotion was renamed Price of Glory (PoG). Severn competed many times in PoG against the likes of Jimmy Jacobs, N8 Mattson, CJ Otis, Jack Thriller and more. He was a referee for Price of Glory 17: Merry Massacre in 2005.

On June 21, 2009, Severn and Johnny Dynamo had a career vs career match for the POGW Heavyweight Championship at Faded Glory IV, where the loser would be forced to retire. After a technical match-up, Severn came out as the victor and won the Price of Glory Heavyweight championship. The show ended with the two wrestlers showing respect to each other and the roster came out to pay tribute to Dynamo's career.[41] Severn vacated the title at Intrusion on September 13. After running for fourteen years, the promotion closed in 2018.

Acting career[edit]

Severn has starred in various movies and television series, starting in 1993 with Rudy, in which he played a football player. The movie is a sports/drama film directed by David Anspaugh.[42]

Severn then appeared in two episodes of Nash Bridges in 1998 and 1999.[43]

In 2005, he played a police captain in Swamp Zombies, an action/horror film directed by Len Kabasinski.[44]

In 2010, Severn acted as an applicant for the movie Minor League: A Football Story directed by Clenet Verdi-Rose. The movie is a sport/comedy/drama about a struggling minor league football team that is not doing well and as their newly signed coach, Severn gives the team a second chance to change things around.[45]

Also in 2010, Severn acted as "The Beast" in the action movie called Kill Factor directed and written by Leo Fong. The plot is about a detective on the track of a serial killer in L.A.[46]

In late 2010, Severn played himself in Tetherball: The Movie directed by Chris Nickin. It is a sports/comedy movie and the plot of the movie is that three friends decide to start a tetherball league and wind up becoming amateur athletes and have "more booze, babes, and balls than they can handle."[47]

In 2012, Severn acted in the amateur wrestling movie Win by Fall directed by Chris Nickin, as the character called Coach Winters. The movie is about a wrestler named Scott Reynolds, who is the state's best 152-pound wrestler. The team's 171-pound wrestler breaks his leg and coach Winters (played by Severn) moves Scott up to the 171-pound division. If Scott wants to go to college and earn a scholarship, he must win in his new weight class.[48]

In 2014, Severn acted in College Fright Night which is a comedy/horror movie directed by Brad Leo Lyon. Severn plays as a police officer.[49]

In 2016, Severn acted as a referee in Beyond the Game which is an action movie directed by Erken Ialgashev and written by J. Stephen Maunder and David Mitchell. The plot summary is contestants in a reality show have to fight to survive.[50]

Also in 2016, Severn starred as the character Rich Chandler in The Fight Within, which is a sport/action/romance movie directed by Michael William Gordon. The movie is based on Logan Chandler, an MMA fighter.[51]

In other media[edit]

Severn is featured on the front covers of many martial arts magazines such as the Tae Kwon Do Times and Karate Kung-fu.[52]

Personal life[edit]

Severn was born in Coldwater, Michigan, and went to high school at Hill McCloy HS located in Montrose, Michigan. He has four brothers, all of whom were All-American wrestlers in high school and college.[53] Severn has five children. His son, David Severn, is a professional and amateur wrestler. He has won two state championships in his home state of Michigan.[54][55]

Severn has an autobiography published named The Realest Guy in the Room: The Life and Times of Dan Severn. It was co-authored by Ian Douglass and was originally published on July 7, 2016.[56] It includes a foreword from Jim Cornette, who managed Severn during his WWF run.

Severn owns his own mixed martial arts camp in Coldwater, Michigan.

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

Amateur wrestling[edit]

Mixed martial arts record[edit]

Professional record breakdown
127 matches 101 wins 19 losses
By knockout 23 5
By submission 54 7
By decision 24 7
Draws 7
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 101–19–7 Alex Rozman Decision (unanimous) Blue Blood MMA April 28, 2012 3 5:00 Davenport, Iowa, United States
Loss 100–19–7 Lee Beane KO (punches) Paul Vandale Promotions: The Beast Comes East May 20, 2011 1 3:28 Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Loss 100–18–7 Ryan Fortin KO (punches) King Of The Cage: Mile Zero April 29, 2011 3 4:04 Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
Win 100–17–7 Aaron Garcia Submission (neck crank) KOTC: Texas April 16, 2011 1 2:18 Lubbock, Texas, United States
Win 99–17–7 Cal Worsham Decision (unanimous) Gladiator Challenge: Legends Collide 2 February 20, 2011 3 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 98–17–7 Scott Fraser Submission (arm-triangle choke) Elite-1 MMA: Tapping Out January 29, 2011 1 4:59 Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Won the Elite-1 MMA Heavyweight Title.
Win 97–17–7 William Hatch Submission (arm-triangle choke) King of the Cage: Black Ops December 4, 2010 1 4:23 Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
Win 96–17–7 Tom Benesocky Submission (arm-triangle choke) King of the Cage 48 November 21, 2010 1 1:33 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 95–17–7 Chad Olmstead TKO (punches) King of the Cage: Lock Down July 30, 2010 2 1:27 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 94–17–7 Sam Flood Submission (guillotine choke) King of the Cage: Fearless April 24, 2010 1 4:24 Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
Win 93–17–7 Buddie Dixion TKO (punches) King of the Cage: Thunderstruck ll March 18, 2010 2 2:22 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Win 92–17–7 Eddie Trotter TKO (doctor stoppage) GFC: Gladiator Fighting Championship October 24, 2009 1 5:00 Jenkins, Kentucky, United States
Win 91–17–7 Woody Young Submission (arm-triangle choke) KOTC: Disputed July 25, 2009 2 2:31 Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, United States
Win 90–17–7 Steve Eakins Decision (unanimous) Gladiator Challenge: The Beast May 16, 2009 3 5:00 Elko, Nevada, United States
Loss 89–17–7 William Richey Decision (split) Iroquois: MMA Championships 7 January 24, 2009 3 5:00 Hagersville, Ontario, Canada
Loss 89–16–7 Pavel Botka Decision Heaven or Hell: Hell Cage May 3, 2008 N/A N/A Prague, Czech Republic
Win 89–15–7 Damon Clark Submission (kimura) WFC: Armageddon April 12, 2008 1 2:30 Denver, Colorado, United States
Win 88–15–7 Colin Robinson Decision (unanimous) Cage Wars: Max Extreme fighting March 9, 2008 3 N/A Belfast, Northern Ireland
Win 87–15–7 Ian Asham Submission (kimura) Iroquois: MMA Championships II February 9, 2008 N/A N/A Ohsweken, Ontario, United States
Win 86–15–7 Don Richards Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Bad Boys November 21, 2007 3 5:00 Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
Win 85–15–7 Jimmy Westfall Decision (unanimous) Universal Fight Promotions October 13, 2007 3 5:00 New Mexico, United States
Win 84–15–7 Mark Smith TKO (corner stoppage) Titans of the Pentagon September 22, 2007 1 N/A San José, Costa Rica
Win 83–15–7 Victor Vincelette Submission (choke) WFC: Rumble in the Red Rocks June 9, 2007 1 1:35 Camp Verde, Arizona, United States
Win 82–15–7 Terrell Pree Submission (armbar) WVF: Minot April 21, 2007 1 4:18 Minot, North Dakota, United States
Win 81–15–7 Jason Keith Submission (rear-naked choke) GC 60: Invasion March 23, 2007 1 2:36 Farmington, New Mexico, United States
Win 80–15–7 Kasey Geyer Submission (rear-naked choke) CCCF: Riverwind Rumble February 24, 2007 2 1:25 Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Win 79–15–7 Clifford Coon Submission (rear-naked choke) CCCF: Red River Riot February 17, 2007 1 1:53 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 78–15–7 Dave Legeno Decision (unanimous) Cage Rage 20 February 10, 2007 3 5:00 London, England
Win 78–14–7 Wade Hamilton Submission (keylock) KOTC: Mass Destruction January 26, 2007 1 3:08 Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
Win 77–14–7 Chris Clark Submission (heel hook) IFC: Rumble on the River 2 November 10, 2006 1 3:08 Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Win 76–14–7 Brian Heden Decision (split) NFA: Night of the Beast September 23, 2006 4 5:00 Fargo, North Dakota, United States
Win 75–14–7 Skip Hall Submission (choke) Independent event August 26, 2006 1 N/A Alabama, United States
Win 74–14–7 Lanny Griffin Submission (scarf hold) Indiana Martial Arts August 12, 2006 1 0:46 Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Win 73–14–7 Robert Berry Submission (rear-naked choke) MMA Total Combat 16 June 3, 2006 1 4:21 Spennymoor, England
Win 72–14–7 Victor Vincelette TKO (submission to punches) WFC: Rumble in the Rockies January 21, 2006 1 1:22 Loveland, Colorado, United States
Loss 71–14–7 Joop Kasteel KO (punch) Rings Holland: Men of Honor December 11, 2005 1 1:28 Utrecht, Netherlands
Win 71–13–7 Tyson Smith TKO (submission to punches) Action Wrestling Entertainment October 5, 2005 1 4:12 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Loss 70–13–7 Victor Valimaki Decision (unanimous) MFC 8: Resurrection September 9, 2005 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 70–12–7 Rick Collup TKO (submission to knees) GC 39: Titans Collide July 17, 2005 2 3:11 Porterville, California, United States
Win 69–12–7 Shannon Ritch Submission (triangle choke) Extreme Wars: X-1 July 2, 2005 2 1:05 Honolulu, United States
Win 68–12–7 Shannon Ritch Submission (keylock) Northern Fighting Championships June 3, 2005 2 N/A Alaska, United States
Loss 67–12–7 Bob Stines Submission Warrior: MMA 4 March 12, 2005 1 0:52 Corbin, Kentucky, United States
Win 67–11–7 Cal Worsham TKO (doctor stoppage) GC 34: Legends Collide January 27, 2005 3 3:29 Colusa, California, United States
Win 66–11–7 Lee Mein TKO Continental Fighting Championships November 20, 2004 2 1:41 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Loss 65–11–7 James Thompson Decision (unanimous) UC 11: Wrath of the Beast September 12, 2004 5 5:00 Bristol, England
Win 65–10–7 Chad Rafdel TKO (corner stoppage) AFA: Beast July 31, 2004 1 3:00 Iowa, United States
Win 64–10–7 Hidetada Irie Decision (unanimous) Gladiator FC: Day 1 June 26, 2004 3 5:00 Seoul, South Korea
Win 63–10–7 Ruben Villareal Decision (split) GC 27: FightFest 2 June 3, 2004 2 5:00 Colusa, California, United States
Win 62–10–7 Greg Lockhart Submission Dangerzone: Professional Level Cage Fighting April 10, 2004 2 1:45 Osceola, Iowa, United States
Win 61–10–7 Johnathan Ivey Decision (unanimous) Hardcore Fighting Championships 3 March 27, 2004 N/A N/A Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Loss 60–10–7 Tony Bonello Submission (rear-naked choke) XFC 4: Australia vs The World March 19, 2004 1 1:36 Brisbane, Australia
Loss 60–9–7 Ulysses Castro Submission (verbal) Enter the Beast March 6, 2004 3 2:45 Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Draw 60–8–7 Jerry Vrbanovic Draw KOTC 33: After Shock February 20, 2004 2 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Loss 60–8–6 Seth Petruzelli Decision (unanimous) KOTC 32: Bringing Heat January 24, 2004 3 5:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Win 60–7–6 Ray Seraille Submission (armbar) Pacific X-Treme Combat January 17, 2004 3 2:03 Mangilao, Guam, United States
Win 59–7–6 Mathias Hughes Submission Seasons Beatings December 18, 2003 1 2:40 Winnipeg, Canada
Draw 58–7–6 Homer Moore Draw RITC 54: 'The Beast' vs 'The Rock' October 25, 2003 3 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 58–7–5 Gary Dudley TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge 18 August 21, 2003 1 2:08 Colusa, California, United States
Win 57–7–5 Dan Christison Decision (split) KOTC 24: Mayhem June 14, 2003 3 5:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 56–7–5 Shane Moore Submission Hardcore Fighting Championships May 24, 2003 2 0:46 Revere, Massachusetts, United States
Win 55–7–5 Cory Timmerman Decision (unanimous) KOTC 23: Sin City May 16, 2003 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 54–7–5 Ulysses Castro Decision MFC 6: Road To Gold February 22, 2003 3 5:00 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Draw 54–6–5 Pat Stano Draw War at the Shore January 17, 2003 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 54–6–4 Mike Ward Submission (bulldog choke) UC 4: Eyes of the Beast December 1, 2002 3 1:42 Chippenham, England
Win 53–6–4 Justin Eilers Decision (unanimous) VFC 3: Total Chaos November 23, 2002 3 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 52–6–4 Mark Smith Submission (keylock) KOTC 18: Sudden Impact November 1, 2002 1 2:56 Reno, Nevada, United States
Win 51–6–4 Dan Christison Decision Aztec Challenge 1 September 6, 2002 3 5:00 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Win 50–6–4 John Jensen TKO (corner stoppage) KOTC 14: 5150 June 19, 2002 1 5:00 Bernalillo, New Mexico, United States
Win 49–6–4 Steve Sayegh TKO (submission to punches) Dangerzone: Caged Heat April 13, 2002 1 5:45 New Town, North Dakota, United States
Win 48–6–4 Forrest Griffin Decision (unanimous) RSF 5: New Blood Conflict October 27, 2001 3 4:00 Augusta, Georgia, United States
Draw 47–6–4 Travis Fulton Draw Iowa Challenge 3 September 22, 2001 3 5:00 Waterloo, Iowa, United States
Win 47–6–3 Lenn Walker TKO (submission to punches) UW: St. Paul July 15, 2001 1 1:49 Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Win 46–6–3 Travis Fulton Decision (unanimous) WEC 1 June 30, 2001 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 45–6–3 Wes Sims Decision (unanimous) RSF 2: Attack at the Track June 23, 2001 3 4:00 Chester, West Virginia, United States
Win 44–6–3 Harry Moskowitz Submission (keylock) Reality Combat Fighting 11 May 10, 2001 1 2:12 Houma, Louisiana, United States
Loss 43–6–3 Jonathan Wiezorek Submission (choke) RSF 1: Redemption in the Valley April 21, 2001 2 1:03 Wheeling, West Virginia, United States
Win 43–5–3 Aaron Keeney Submission (keylock) Dangerzone: Insane In Ft. Wayne November 25, 2000 1 2:03 Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Win 42–5–3 Travis Fulton Submission (rear-naked choke) Dangerzone: Night of the Beast October 28, 2000 1 2:01 Lynchburg, Virginia, United States
Loss 41–5–3 Pedro Rizzo TKO (submission to leg kicks) UFC 27 September 22, 2000 1 1:33 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 41–4–3 Andrei Kopylov Decision (unanimous) Rings: Millennium Combine 3 August 23, 2000 2 5:00 Osaka, Japan
Win 40–4–3 John Dixson Submission (keylock) Continental Freefighting Alliance 2 July 19, 2000 1 5:18 Corinth, Mississippi, United States
Win 39–4–3 Ron Rumpf Submission (keylock) Dangerzone: Battle At The Bear July 8, 2000 1 0:54 New Town, North Dakota, United States
Win 38–4–3 Robert Stines Submission (neck crank) Dangerzone: Ft. Wayne 2 May 20, 2000 1 0:44 Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Win 37–4–3 Marcus Silveira Submission (arm-triangle choke) WEF 9: World Class May 13, 2000 1 4:46 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 36–4–3 Bart Vale TKO (doctor stoppage) CFA 1: Collision at the Crossroads March 25, 2000 2 0:36 Corinth, Mississippi, United States
Loss 35–4–3 Josh Barnett Submission (armbar) SuperBrawl 16 February 8, 2000 4 1:21 Honolulu, United States
Win 35–3–3 Mark Jaquith Decision Dangerzone: Ft. Wayne November 22, 1999 1 15:00 Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Win 34–3–3 Phil Ortiz Submission (keylock) Extreme Challenge 28 October 9, 1999 1 1:55 Ogden, Utah, United States
Win 33–3–3 David Ferguson TKO (submission to punches) Dangerzone: Ft. Smith September 18, 1999 1 8:36 Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Win 32–3–3 Nick Starks Decision Ultimate Reality Fighting July 18, 1999 N/A 0:00 Orlando, Florida, United States
Win 31–3–3 Brad Kohler TKO (slam) Ultimate Wrestling June 25, 1999 1 7:57 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Win 30–3–3 Slade Martin Submission (keylock) Dangerzone: Mahnomen June 19, 1999 1 3:30 Mahnomen, Minnesota, United States
Win 29–3–3 Ross Quam Submission (jaw lock) Brawl in the Black Hills 1 May 15, 1999 1 N/A Rapid City, South Dakota, United States
Win 28–3–3 Kevin Rosier Submission (bulldog choke) Cage Combat 1 December 8, 1998 1 1:00 Conesville, Iowa, United States
Win 27–3–3 Joe Frailey Submission (armbar) SuperBrawl 9 September 19, 1998 1 4:02 El Paso, Texas, United States
Draw 26–3–3 Pat Miletich Draw Extreme Challenge 20 August 22, 1998 1 20:00 Davenport, Iowa, United States
Win 26–3–2 Chris Franco TKO (doctor stoppage) SuperBrawl 8 August 4, 1998 1 4:55 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 25–3–2 Sam Adkins Submission (fatigue) International Fighting Championships 8: Showdown at Shooting Star June 20, 1998 1 12:53 Mahnomen, Minnesota, United States
Win 24–3–2 Steve Miller Submission (rear-naked choke) World Shoot Wrestling June 12, 1998 1 5:45 Pasadena, Texas, United States
Win 23–3–2 John Calvo TKO (punches) SuperBrawl 7 April 25, 1998 1 3:38 Guam, United States
Win 22–3–2 Travis Fulton Submission (keylock) Gladiators 2 April 18, 1998 1 10:39 Iowa, United States
Win 21–3–2 Kevin Rosier TKO (knees) Extreme Challenge 15 February 27, 1998 1 0:53 Muncie, Indiana, United States
Draw 20–3–2 Kimo Leopoldo Draw (time limit) Pride 1 October 11, 1997 1 30:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 20–3–1 John Renfroe Submission (keylock) International Fighting Championships 6: Battle at Four Bears September 20, 1997 1 2:28 New Town, North Dakota, United States
Win 19–3–1 John Dixson TKO (submission to punches) International Fighting Championships 5: Battle in the Bayou September 5, 1997 1 2:33 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Win 18–3–1 Lance Gibson Submission (keylock) SuperBrawl 5 August 23, 1997 1 26:22 Guam, United States
Win 17–3–1 Paul Buentello Submission (headlock) Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation 6 August 16, 1997 1 2:55 Amarillo, Texas, United States
Win 16–3–1 Ebenezer Fontes Braga TKO (doctor stoppage) International Vale Tudo Championship 1: Real Fight Tournament July 6, 1997 1 8:17 Brazil
Draw 15–3–1 Jeremy Horn Draw Extreme Challenge 7 June 25, 1997 1 20:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 15–3 John Renfroe TKO (punches) Extreme Challenge 6 May 10, 1997 1 2:29 Battle Creek, Michigan, United States
Loss 14–3 Mark Coleman Submission (scarf hold) UFC 12 February 7, 1997 1 2:57 Dothan, Alabama, United States For the inaugural UFC Heavyweight Championship. Heavyweight title was unified with the UFC Superfight Championship.
Win 14–2 Steven Goss Submission (rear-naked choke) Extreme Challenge 1 November 23, 1996 1 1:53 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 13–2 Mitsuhiro Matsunaga Submission (reverse armbar) U-Japan November 17, 1996 1 1:32 Tokyo, Japan
Win 12–2 Mario Neto Decision Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 4 October 22, 1996 1 40:00 Brazil
Win 11–2 Dennis Reed Submission (neck crank) Brawl at the Ballpark 1 September 1, 1996 1 4:10 Davenport, Iowa, United States
Win 10–2 Doug Murphy Submission (keylock) Vale Tudo Japan 1996 July 7, 1996 1 3:23 Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
Win 9–2 Ken Shamrock Decision (split) UFC 9 May 17, 1996 1 30:00 Detroit, Michigan, United States Won the UFC Superfight Championship.
Win 8–2 Oleg Taktarov Decision (unanimous) Ultimate Ultimate 1995 December 16, 1995 1 30:00 Denver, Colorado, United States Won the Ultimate Ultimate 95 Tournament.
Win 7–2 Tank Abbott Decision (unanimous) 1 18:00
Win 6–2 Paul Varelans Submission (arm-triangle choke) 1 1:40
Loss 5–2 Ken Shamrock Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 6 July 14, 1995 1 2:14 Casper, Wyoming, United States For the UFC Superfight Championship.
Win 5–1 Dave Beneteau Submission (keylock) UFC 5 April 7, 1995 1 3:01 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Won the UFC 5 Tournament.
Win 4–1 Oleg Taktarov TKO (cut) 1 4:21
Win 3–1 Joe Charles Submission (rear-naked choke) 1 1:38
Loss 2–1 Royce Gracie Submission (triangle choke) UFC 4 December 16, 1994 1 15:49 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win 2–0 Marcus Bossett Submission (arm-triangle choke) 1 0:52
Win 1–0 Anthony Macias Submission (choke) 1 1:45

[75]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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Further reading[edit]

  • The Realest Guy in the Room: The Life and Times of Dan Severn (July 2016) ISBN 9781326723835
  • The Ultimate Guide to Preventing and Treating MMA Injuries: Featuring advice from UFC Hall of Famers Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Pat Miletich, Dan Severn and more! (May 2016) ISBN 9781770411722

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dan Severn.


Achievements
Preceded by 2nd UFC Superfight Champion
May 17, 1996 – February 7, 1997 		Final Superfight
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