Today marks the end of an era in MMA as Dan Severn – “The Beast” himself – has announced his retirement from the sport. An icon of the early days in the UFC, Severn was one of the first to demonstrate wrestling’s effectiveness as a martial arts style.
Severn began his career in 1978, where he won his first freestyle wrestling championship. He went on to compete in both professional and amateur wrestling, eventually winning numerous championships that included two gold medals at the Pan-American Games in 1983 and 1987.
In 1993, Severn entered the world of mixed martial arts when he joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). It was here where Severn truly became a star, becoming one of the first to show how effective wrestling can be as a fighting style. In his UFC debut against Ken Shamrock, Severn used his wrestling skills to secure a submission victory and earn himself a UFC Superfight Championship belt.
Throughout his UFC career, Severn would bcome well-known for his tenacity and willingness to fight anybody regardless of weight class or experience level. He even faced off against larger opponents such as former professional wrestler Tank Abbott and future heavyweight champion Frank Mir.
Severn’s last bout was for Bellator MMA in 2015 before he officially retired from competition earlier this year. During his time competing in MMA, he amassed an impressive record that included 50 wins against only 16 losses across all disciplines including submission grappling matches and kickboxing fights. His overall win total currently stands at 101 victories across all forms of combat sports.
Outside of fighting, Dan Severn is also an inductee into both the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and UFC Hall of Fame (Class of 2005). In addition, he has also worked as an actor appearing in movies such as xXx: Return Of Xander Cage (2017) and The Scorpion King 4: Quest For Power (2015).
Dan Severn leaves behind an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire fighters for generations to come. To put it simply – there will never be another “Beast” like him!
Is Dan Severn Still an Active Fighter?
No, Dan Severn is not still fighting. Severn officially retired from MMA competition in 2020, after a career spanning more than two decades. During his time in the sport, he was one of the most influential figures in the early days of the UFC, becoming the first man to demonstrate the power of amateur wrestling. Since retiring from active competition, Severn has continued to be involved in MMA as a coach and mentor.
The Reason Behind Dan Severn’s Departure From WWE
Dan Severn left WWE in 2000 after a six-year stint with the company. Severn’s departure was a mutual decision between the two parties, but it was largely due to the fact that he was looking for more control over his character and direction within the company. He wanted to be able to take his character in different directions, do different types of matches, and make appearances outside of WWE. Severn felt that he had reached his peak with the company and wanted to explore other opportunities, hence why he chose to leave.
Where is Dan Severn Now?
Dan Severn is currently living in Coldwater, Michigan and running his own mixed martial arts camp. He travels frequently to other places to compete in MMA fights and to do motivational speaking engagements. He also appears at conventions and other special events related to the sport of MMA.
Conclusion
Dan Severn’s retirement from MMA competition marks the end of an era. Severn has been a major figure in the sport since its inception, and his impact on MMA will be felt for years to come. His willingness to take risks and use his wrestling skills to dominate opponents has paved the way for many athletes who followd him. He was also one of the first fighters to recognize the importance of having multiple sources of income, and negotiated a unique contract that allowed him to remain active in both UFC and Pride Fighting Championships simultaneously. Dan Severn’s career as an MMA fighter is one that will be remembered for generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire others throughout their own fighting journeys.
