Dan Severn retires at 54 years old

[Rob_Floyd]

On the first day of 2013, a true legend of the sport decided it's time to hang up his MMA gloves. After 127 professional fights, Dan "The Beast" Severn announced on his web site that he's retiring from fighting. His career lasted 18 years and he ended it with a record of 101-19-7.

Severn made his professional debut at UFC 4 all the way back in 1994. He was the first fighter to test his amateur wrestling credentials in the Octagon. And as a 1980 Olympic team qualifier, he definitely had the credentials. After defeating his first two opponents in the single night tournament, he met Royce Gracie who'd won the crown at the three previous events. Despite no submission grappling experience, Severn lasted almost 3 times as long as any of Gracie's previous opponents before being locked up in an unfamiliar triangle choke.

He went on to fight some of the era's best talents in Mark Coleman, Oleg Taktarov, and Ken Shamrock. He introduced Forrest Griffin to the sport in the future Light Heavyweight champion's professional debut in 2001. Not bad for a man who didn't start fighting until he was 36 years old.

Although, Severn is retiring from competition, he made it clear he will continue to do his part for the benefit of the sport. He plans to contribute through seminars, play-by-play commentary, an ambassador for the sport, and more. Additionally, he plans to continue his career as a professional wrestler through 2013, but will retire from that after this year as well.

[url]***********.bloodyelbow.com/2013/1/1/3826040/dan-severn-retires-after-ufc-hall-of-fame-career?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter[/url]

[ame]***********.youtube.com/watch?v=rjk8lA5eveA[/ame]



Damn, I was hoping to see him make a run at the UFC HW belt in 2013.

[greathamza]

About time

Originally Posted by Rob_Floyd

Damn, I was hoping to see him make a run at the UFC HW belt in 2013.

[MaliSlamusrex]

He UFC hall of fame was made for Dan the Best.

[rekcutnevets]

After defeating his first two opponents in the single night tournament, he met Royce Gracie who'd won the crown at the three previous events.

That part isn't right, as Royce did not win UFC III.

I loved watching Severn in action. He is the closest thing I've ever seen to looking like a lion going after a gazelle in the octagon.

[PATSYS]

His tribute video clip should have UNDER PRESSURE as the soundtrack.

[KERRIGAN]

Now maybe he can concentrate on getting a manly voice.

[Rob_Floyd]

Originally Posted by PATSYS

His tribute video clip should have UNDER PRESSURE as the soundtrack.

Ha, I get it. Because he resembles David Bowie, right?

[rekcutnevets]

Originally Posted by Rob_Floyd

Ha, I get it. Because he resembles David Bowie, right?

I think Tank was closer when he said something to the effect of "having a dream I was being raped by Freddie Mercury" after his fight with Severn.

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[boranbkk]

Originally Posted by rekcutnevets

I think Tank was closer when he said something to the effect of "having a dream I was being raped by Freddie Mercury" after his fight with Severn.

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Moustaches

[Vic-JofreBRASIL]

A great warrior, that´s for sure.
Just watched some days ago his fight with Tank, pretty cool....

[Johnstown]

who was the asian guy he just stood toe to toe with, punching each other in the face. Horrible to display of actual stand up skill...actually reminded me of fights I would see untrained kids get into in high school.. still was fun to watch.

[Rob_Floyd]

Originally Posted by Johnstown

who was the asian guy he just stood toe to toe with, punching each other in the face. Horrible to display of actual stand up skill...actually reminded me of fights I would see untrained kids get into in high school.. still was fun to watch.

Takayama. That was during the years that Dan Severn went by Don Frye.

[IntentionalButt]

****, he was still around?

I'd assumed he retired somewhere in his 40's.

[IntentionalButt]

Originally Posted by Rob_Floyd

Takayama. That was during the years that Dan Severn went by Don Frye.

Pity they never matched up. (although being friends explains why)