Dan Severn
Following a professional mixed martial arts career that included over 120-official bouts, UFC Hall of Famer Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn (101-19-7) has decided to hang up his gloves.
At the age of 54-years ‘The Beast’ has decided that “Father Time” has finally caught up with him, announcing his retirement on his official website on Tuesday. Severn made the decision after failing to secure a “retirement tour” versus former opponents, and mma legends, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock and Mark Coleman.
“The number one goal that I set for myself in 2012 was to be finished with my Mix Martial Arts Competition career. I was attempting to do my own self-directed retirement tour in the last couple of years reaching out to only three people… Mark Coleman, Ken Shamrock, and Royce Gracie. I spoke to two of them directly (Mark, and Ken), and through representative (MGR) for Royce. It seems as though these matches will not take place for whatever reasons and my life now goes on to the next chapter.
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It has been difficult to juggle so many different parts of my career, but that is when opportunity presented itself… such as my MMA career beginning at the age of 37, and now ending at age 54. Father Time is telling me, it is time to let go. I have learned over time, that the only constant factor is change. It will happen, and there is nothing we can do to stop it, so smile, hold on, and embrace it for all that it has to offer and hopefully you will have the ride of your life!!! Happy New Year!!!”
Severn wass a former two-time All-American wrestler for Arizona State and began his mma career back in December 1994 at UFC 4. At the event he earned submission wins over Anthony Macias and Marcus Bossett before falling to Royce Gracie in the one-night tournament. ‘The Beast’ earned his last win this past April headlining a local event in Iowa by winning a decision victory.
Severn also announced his plans to finish up his Pro-Wrestling career later this year. He plans on staying involved with MMA through cageside commentary, seminars, as well as continuing to be a “Goodwill Ambassador” for the sport.
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame back in 2005.