Daniel DeWayne Severn (born June 8, 1958) is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, notable for his success in the early years of Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments. Severn has fought and wrestled for many mixed martial arts and professional wrestling promotions, including King of the Cage, PRIDE FC, Cage Rage, WEC, RINGS, and the World Wrestling Federation. He holds a professional MMA Record of 99–18–7 and is a UFC Hall of Famer and a former UFC Superfight Champion.
In professional wrestling Severn is a two-time world champion, having won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice. He is also now featured as a PlayStation 3 exclusive fighter for UFC Undisputed 2010 even though he has not competed in the UFC for over 10 years.
As of January 2011, at age 52, Severn still competes in MMA Competition and pro wrestling. Along with competition, Severn also makes special appearances and autograph signings. He also travels the globe instructing seminars in MMA, grappling, and amateur wrestling. More importantly, Severn is focused on getting his Law Enforcement Training (Danger Zone: LET) developed into more police departments, corrections facilities and the military.
Career
Wrestling
Severn has a long history in
Greco-Roman and
freestyle wrestling. He was a two time
All-American at
Arizona State University, the original
Sunkist Kid of the Sunkist Kids, 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 failed to win in Olympic trials in 1984 and 1988 (he was a finalist in the trials). 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.
Severn began his career in the fight game as a Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestler. He quickly became a top high school and collegiate wrestler capturing many titles, honors, and several national and world titles. As a high school wrestler Severn was a two-time national champion and set eight national records in his career. Severn was inducted into Arizona State University's wrestling hall of fame at the end of his collegiate career.
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 Elliot Show, Nash Bridges, and many commercials.
Severn has developed a 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
In 1994, Severn started competing in the
Ultimate Fighting Championships. 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 entered the UFC in 1994 at
UFC 4: ''Revenge of the Warriors'', where he impressed many UFC fans by executing two impressive back suplexs on
Anthony Macias. In the finals of UFC 4, Severn was defeated by
Royce Gracie who secured a triangle choke for the victory. The submission loss came after Severn was in Gracie's guard for almost 15 minutes.
He soon returned to mixed martial arts competition, defeating several opponents to capture the tournament championship at UFC 5: ''Return of the Beast''. Severn's first fight with Russian Oleg Taktarov at UFC 5 is regarded by some as his best fight ever. 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 runner ups. Severn defeated Paul Varelans, David "Tank" Abbott, and UFC 6 tournament winner 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. With the win, Severn captured his third title for the promotion.
Severn managed his friend and fellow UFC champion Don Frye during UFC 8. In 1999, Severn founded a new mixed martial arts promotion intended to provide a platform for amateur fighters, called The Danger Zone, in which Severn has 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 Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Severn was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at UFC 52.
Dan Severn, one of the earliest and most legendary stars of the UFC, continued his MMA career on 29th January 2011 by racking up his 97th, and 8th straight, victory in a 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.
Former NWA World Champion and current UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn successfully defeated Cal Worsham again, this time via unanimous decision in the main event of Legends Collide 2 on 20 February 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.
MMA legend, Dan "The Beast" Severn, earned his 100th career victory on April 16, 2011 with a submission victory over Aaron Garcia at KOTC: Texas.
Professional wrestling
Severn is an accomplished
professional wrestler, having worked for
UWF International in
Japan, the
National Wrestling Alliance, and the
World Wrestling Federation.
He entered the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1995, and defeated Chris Candido for his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship on a Smoky Mountain Wrestling card. Severn would go on to win the UFC Superfight Heavyweight Championship that year, making him the first and only man to hold an MMA and a professional wrestling championship simultaneously. Severn would go on to hold the NWA Championship for four years, the longest reign in over two decades and currently the third-longest reign in the belt's history.
As NWA champion, Severn appeared in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during a storyline where the NWA invaded the WWF. During his one year tenure, he competed in the Brawl for All tournament, 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, only to lose to The Rock in the Semi-Finals. Later that year he was involved in a storyline with Owen Hart, where Hart, caused an injury to the neck of Severn, via a piledriver. He was part of the 1999 Royal Rumble being the 8th entrant lasting almost 6 minutes before being eliminated by Mabel. He feuded with old MMA rivial Ken Shamrock, where the WWE played up their history in UFC.
Severn appeared in 2000 in the short-lived WXO promotion. In 2001, he again won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, this time from Shinya Hashimoto in Japan. This title reign was controversial and short-lived, as the title was stripped from Severn when he was unable to appear on the inaugural NWA-TNA pay-per-view to defend his title; the belt was won that evening by Ken Shamrock.
Personal life
Severn has a son named
David Severn, who is a two-time state wrestling champion at
Bronson High School.
In professional wrestling
Finishing moves
*Armbar
*''Beast Choker'' (Dragon sleeper with body scissors)
Signature moves
*Back to belly piledriver, sometimes transitioned into an armbar
*Belly to belly suplex
*Guillotine choke
*Heel hook
*Key lock
*Rear naked choke
Nicknames
*The Beast
'''Managers
Jim Cornette
Championships and accomplishments
Amateur wrestling
Arizona State University wrestling Hall of Famer
1980 Summer Olympic team alternate
13 National AAU wrestling championships from 1982 to 1994
1984 Summer Olympic team alternate
1985 Canada Cup Gold Medalist
1988 Summer Olympic team alternate
Mixed martial arts
Elite-1 MMA
*Elite-1 MMA Heavyweight Championship (one time, current)
Continental Freefighting Alliance
*CFA Super Heavyweight Championship (one time, current)
Gladiator Challenge
*Gladiator Challenge Superfight Heavyweight Championship (one time, current)
The Danger Zone
*Undefeated in Danger Zone single bout competition
Ultimate Fighting Championship
*UFC 5 Tournament Winner
*Ultimate Ultimate 1995 Tournament Winner
*UFC Superfight Championship (one time, last)
*UFC 4 Tournament Runner Up
*UFC Hall of Fame
UFC Viewer's Choice Award
Professional wrestling
'''Price of Glory Wrestling
*PoG Heavyweight Championship (one time)
'''NWA
*NWA United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship (one time)
*NWA World Heavyweight Championship (two times)
Mixed martial arts record
| Loss
|align=center| 100-18-7
| Lee Beane
| KO (punches)
| Paul Vandale Promotions- The Beast Comes East
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:28
|
Worcester, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 100-17-7
| Ryan Fortin
| TKO (punches)
| King Of The Cage: Mile Zero
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 4:04
|
Dawson Creek, Canada
|
|-
|Win
|align=center| 100–16–7
| Aaron Garcia
| Submission (neck crank)
| King of the Cage: Texas
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:18
|
Lubbock, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 99–16–7
| Cal Worsham
| Decision (unanimous)
| Gladiator Challenge: Legends Collide 2
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
San Jacinto, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 98–16–7
| Scott Fraser
| Submission (arm-triangle)
| Elite-1 MMA: Tapping Out
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 4:59
|
Moncton, Canada
| Won Elite-1 MMA Heavyweight Title
|-
| Win
|align=center| 97–16–7
| William Hatch
| Submission (arm-triangle)
| King of the Cage: Black Ops
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:23
|
Cold Lake, Canada
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 96–16–7
| Tom Benesocky
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| King of the Cage 48
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:33
|
Edmonton, Canada
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 95–16–7
| Chad Olmstead
| TKO (punches)
| King of the Cage: Lock Down
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 1:27
|
Edmonton, Canada
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 94–16–7
| Sam Flood
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| King of the Cage: Fearless
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:24
|
Penticton, Canada
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 93–16–7
| Buddie Dixion
| TKO (punches)
| King of the Cage: Thunderstruck ll
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 2:22
|
Calgary, Canada
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 92–16–7
| Eddie Trotter
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| GFC - Gladiator Fighting Championship
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 5:00
|
Jenkins, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 91–16–7
| Woody Young
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| King of the Cage: Disputed
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 2:31
|
Sault Ste. Marie, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 90–16–7
| Steve Eakins
| Decision (unanimous)
| Gladiator Challenge: The Beast
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Elko, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 89–16–7
| William Richey
| Decision (unanimous)
| Iroquois: MMA Championships 7
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Hagersville, Canada
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 89–15–7
| Pavel Botka
| Decision
| Heaven or Hell: Hell Cage
|
|align=center| N/A
|align=center| N/A
|
Prague, Czech Republic
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 89–14–7
| Damon Clark
| Submission (kimura)
| WFC: Armageddon
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:30
|
Denver, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 88–14–7
|
Colin Robinson
| Decision (unanimous)
| Cage Wars: Max Extreme fighting
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| N/A
|
Belfast, Northern Ireland
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 87–14–7
| Ian Asham
| Submission (kimura)
| Iroquois: MMA Championships II
|
|align=center| N/A
|align=center| N/A
|
Ohsweken, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 86–14–7
| Don Richards
| Decision (unanimous)
| King of the Cage: Bad Boys
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Mount Pleasant, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 85–14–7
| Jimmy Westfall
| Decision (unanimous)
| Universal Fight Promotions
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
New Mexico, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 84–14–7
| Mark Smith
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| Titans of the Pentagon
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| N/A
|
San José, Costa Rica
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 83–14–7
| Victor Vincelette
| Submission (choke)
| WFC: Rumble in the Red Rocks
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:35
|
Camp Verde, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 82–14–7
| Terrell Pree
| Submission (armbar)
| WVF: Minot
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:18
|
Minot, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 81–14–7
| Jason Keith
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| GC 60: Invasion
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:36
|
Farmington, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 80–14–7
| Kasey Geyer
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| CCCF: Riverwind Rumble
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 1:25
|
Norman, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 79–14–7
| Clifford Coon
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| CCCF: Red River Riot
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:53
|
Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 78–14–7
|
Dave Legeno
| Decision (unanimous)
|
Cage Rage 20
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
London, England
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 78–13–7
| Wade Hamilton
| Submission (keylock)
| King of the Cage: Mass Destruction
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:08
|
Mount Pleasant, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 77–13–7
| Chris Clark
| Submission (heel hook)
| IFC: Rumble on the River 2
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:08
|
Kearney, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 76–13–7
| Brian Heden
| Decision (split)
| NFA: Night of the Beast
|
|align=center| 4
|align=center| 5:00
|
Fargo, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 75–13–7
|
Skip Hall
| Submission (choke)
| Independent event
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| N/A
|
Alabama, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 74–13–7
| Lanny Griffin
| Submission (scarf hold)
| Indiana Martial Arts
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:46
|
Fort Wayne, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 73–13–7
|
Robert Berry
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| MMA Total Combat 16
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:21
|
Spennymoor, England
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 72–13–7
| Victor Vincelette
| Submission (strikes)
| WFC: Rumble in the Rockies
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:22
|
Loveland, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 71–13–7
|
Joop Kasteel
| KO (punch)
| Rings Holland: Men of Honor
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:28
|
Utrecht, Netherlands
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 71–12–7
|
Tyson Smith
| Submission (strikes)
| Action Wrestling Entertainment
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:12
|
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 70–12–7
| Victor Valimaki
| Decision (unanimous)
| MFC 8: Resurrection
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Edmonton, Canada
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 70–11–7
| Rick Collup
| Submission (knees)
| GC 39: Titans Collide
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 3:11
|
Porterville, Canada
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 69–11–7
|
Shannon Ritch
| Submission (triangle choke)
| Extreme Wars: X-1
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 1:05
|
Honolulu, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 68–11–7
|
Shannon Ritch
| Submission (keylock)
| Northern Fighting Championships
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| N/A
|
Alaska, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 67–11–7
| Cal Worsham
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| GC 34: Legends Collide
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 3:29
|
Colusa, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 66–11–7
| Lee Mein
| TKO
| Continental Fighting Championships
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 1:41
|
Saskatoon, Canada
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 65–11–7
|
James Thompson
| Decision (unanimous)
| UC 11: Wrath of the Beast
|
|align=center| 5
|align=center| 5:00
|
Bristol, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 65–10–7
| Chad Rafdel
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| AFA: Beast
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:00
|
Iowa, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 64–10–7
| Hidetada Irie
| Decision (unanimous)
| Gladiator FC: Day 1
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Seoul, South Korea
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 63–10–7
|
Ruben Villareal
| Decision (split)
| GC 27: FightFest 2
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 5:00
|
Colusa, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 62–10–7
| Greg Lockhart
| Submission
| Dangerzone: Professional Level Cage Fighting
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 1:45
|
Osceola, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 61–10–7
|
Johnathan Ivey
| Decision (unanimous)
| Hardcore Fighting Championships 3
|
|align=center| N/A
|align=center| N/A
|
Worcester, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 60–10–7
|
Tony Bonello
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| XFC 4: Australia vs The World
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:36
|
Brisbane, Australia
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 60–9–7
| Ulysses Castro
| Submission (verbal)
| Enter the Beast
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 2:45
|
Nanaimo, Canada
|
|-
| Draw
|align=center| 60–8–7
| Jerry Vrbanovic
| Draw
| King of the Cage 33: After Shock
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 5:00
|
San Jacinto, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 60–8–6
|
Seth Petruzelli
| Decision (unanimous)
| King of the Cage 32: Bringing Heat
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Miami, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 60–7–6
| Ray Seraille
| Submission (armbar)
| Pacific X-Treme Combat
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 2:03
|
Mangilao, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 59–7–6
| Mathias Hughes
| Submission
| Seasons Beatings
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:40
|
Winnipeg, Canada
|
|-
| Draw
|align=center| 58–7–6
|
Homer Moore
| Draw
| RITC 54: 'The Beast' vs 'The Rock'
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 3:00
|
Phoenix, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 58–7–5
| Gary Dudley
| TKO (strikes)
| Gladiator Challenge 18
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:08
|
Colusa, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 57–7–5
|
Dan Christison
| Decision (split)
| King of the Cage 24: Mayhem
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Albuquerque, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 56–7–5
| Shane Moore
| Submission
| Hardcore Fighting Championships 1
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 0:46
|
Revere, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 55–7–5
| Cory Timmerman
| Decision (unanimous)
| King of the Cage 23: Sin City
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Las Vegas, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 54–7–5
| Ulysses Castro
| Decision
| MFC 6: Road To Gold
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Lethbridge, Canada
|
|-
| Draw
|align=center| 54–6–5
| Pat Stano
| Draw
| War at the Shore
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Atlantic City, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 54–6–4
| Mike Ward
| Submission (bulldog choke)
| UC 4: Eyes of the Beast
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 1:42
|
Chippenham, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 53–6–4
|
Justin Eilers
| Decision (unanimous)
| VFC 3: Total Chaos
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Council Bluffs, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 52–6–4
| Mark Smith
| Submission (keylock)
| King of the Cage 18: Sudden Impact
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:56
|
Reno, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 51–6–4
|
Dan Christison
| Decision
| Aztec Challenge 1
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 50–6–4
| John Jensen
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| King of the Cage 14: 5150
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 5:00
|
Bernalillo, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 49–6–4
| Steve Sayegh
| Submission (punches)
| Dangerzone: Caged Heat
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 5:45
|
New Town, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 48–6–4
|
Forrest Griffin
| Decision (unanimous)
| RSF 5: New Blood Conflict
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 4:00
|
Augusta, United States
|
|-
| Draw
|align=center| 47–6–4
|
Travis Fulton
| Draw
| Iowa Challenge 3
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Waterloo, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 47–6–3
| Lenn Walker
| Submission (punches)
| UW: St. Paul
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:49
|
Saint Paul, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 46–6–3
|
Travis Fulton
| Decision
|
WEC 1
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|
Lemoore, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 45–6–3
|
Wes Sims
| Decision
| RSF 2: Attack at the Track
|
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 4:00
|
Chester, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 44–6–3
| Harry Moskowitz
| Submission (keylock)
| Reality Combat Fighting 11
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:12
|
Houma, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 43–6–3
|
Jonathan Wiezorek
| Submission
| RSF 1: Redemption in the Valley
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 1:03
|
Wheeling, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 43–5–3
| Aaron Keeney
| Submission (keylock)
| Dangerzone: Insane In Ft. Wayne
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:03
|
Fort Wayne, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 42–5–3
|
Travis Fulton
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| Dangerzone: Night of the Beast
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:01
|
Lynchburg, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 41–5–3
|
Pedro Rizzo
| TKO (leg kicks)
|
UFC 27
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:33
|
New Orleans, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 41–4–3
| Andrei Kopylov
| Decision (unanimous)
| Rings: Millennium Combine 3
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 5:00
|
Osaka, Japan
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 40–4–3
| John Dixson
| Submission (keylock)
| Continental Freefighting Alliance 2
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 5:18
|
Corinth, Mississippi, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 39–4–3
| Ron Rumpf
| Submission (keylock)
| Dangerzone: Battle At The Bear
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:54
|
New Town, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 38–4–3
| Robert Stines
| Submission (neck crank)
| Dangerzone: Ft. Wayne 2
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:44
|
Fort Wayne, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 37–4–3
|
Marcus Silveira
| Submission (arm triangle choke)
| WEF 9: World Class
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:46
|
Evansville, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 36–4–3
|
Bart Vale
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| CFA 1: Collision at the Crossroads
|
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 0:36
|
Corinth, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 35–4–3
|
Josh Barnett
| Submission (armbar)
| SuperBrawl 16
|
|align=center| 4
|align=center| 1:21
|
Honolulu, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 35–3–3
| Mark Jaquith
| Decision
| Dangerzone: Ft. Wayne
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 15:00
|
Fort Wayne, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 34–3–3
| Phil Ortiz
| Submission (keylock)
| Extreme Challenge 28
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:55
|
Ogden, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 33–3–3
| David Ferguson
| Submission (strikes)
| Dangerzone: Ft. Smith
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 8:36
|
Fort Wayne, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 32–3–3
| Nick Starks
| Decision
| Ultimate Reality Fighting
|
|align=center| N/A
|align=center| 0:00
|
Orlando, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 31–3–3
| Brad Kohler
| TKO (slam)
| Ultimate Wrestling
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 7:57
|
Cleveland, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 30–3–3
| Slade Martin
| Submission (keylock)
| Dangerzone: Mahnomen
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:30
|
Mahnomen, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 29–3–3
| Ross Quam
| Submission (jaw lock)
| Brawl in the Black Hills 1
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| N/A
|
Rapid City, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 28–3–3
|
Kevin Rosier
| Submission (bulldog choke)
| Cage Combat 1
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:00
|
Conesville, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 27–3–3
| Joe Frailey
| Submission (armbar)
| SuperBrawl 9
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:02
|
El Paso, United States
|
|-
| Draw
|align=center| 26–3–3
|
Pat Miletich
| Draw
| Extreme Challenge 20
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 20:00
|
Davenport, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 26–3–2
| Chris Franco
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| SuperBrawl 8
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:55
|
Honolulu, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 25–3–2
|
Sam Adkins
| Submission (fatigue)
| International Fighting Championships 8: Showdown at Shooting Star
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 12:53
|
Mahnomen, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 24–3–2
| Steve Miller
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| World Shoot Wrestling
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 5:45
|
Pasadena, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 23–3–2
| John Calvo
| TKO (punches)
| SuperBrawl 7
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:38
|
Guam, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 22–3–2
|
Travis Fulton
| Submission (keylock)
| Gladiators 2
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 10:39
|
Iowa, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 21–3–2
|
Kevin Rosier
| TKO (knees)
| Extreme Challenge 15
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:53
|
Muncie, United States
|
|-
| Draw
|align=center| 20–3–2
|
Kimo Leopoldo
| Draw
|
Pride 1
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 30:00
|
Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 20–3–1
| John Renfroe
| Submission (keylock)
| International Fighting Championships 6: Battle at Four Bears
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:28
|
New Town, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 19–3–1
| John Dixson
| Submission (strikes)
| International Fighting Championships 5: Battle in the Bayou
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:33
|
Baton Rouge, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 18–3–1
| Lance Gibson
| Submission (keylock)
| SuperBrawl 5
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 26:22
|
Guam, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 17–3–1
|
Paul Buentello
| Submission (headlock)
| Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation 6
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:55
|
Amarillo, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 16–3–1
|
Ebenezer Fontes Braga
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
|
International Vale Tudo Championship 1: Real Fight Tournament
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 8:17
| Brazil
|
|-
| Draw
|align=center| 15–3–1
|
Jeremy Horn
| Draw
| Extreme Challenge 7
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 20:00
|
Council Bluffs, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 15–3
| John Renfroe
| TKO (punches)
| Extreme Challenge 6
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:29
|
Battle Creek, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 14–3
|
Mark Coleman
| Submission (choke)
|
UFC 12
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:57
|
Dothan, United States
| For
UFC Heavyweight Championship
|-
| Win
|align=center| 14–2
| Steven Goss
| Submission (rear naked choke)
| Extreme Challenge 1
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:53
|
Des Moines, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 13–2
|
Mitsuhiro Matsunaga
| Submission (reverse armbar)
| U-Japan
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:32
|
Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 12–2
|
Mario Neto
| Decision
| Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 4
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 40:00
| Brazil
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 11–2
| Dennis Reed
| Submission (neck crank)
| Brawl at the Ballpark 1
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:10
|
Davenport, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 10–2
| Doug Murphy
| Submission (keylock)
| Vale Tudo Japan 1996
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:23
|
Urayasu, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 9–2
|
Ken Shamrock
| Decision (split)
|
UFC 9
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 30:00
|
Detroit, United States
| Won UFC Superfight Championship
|-
| Win
|align=center| 8–2
|
Oleg Taktarov
| Decision (unanimous)
|
Ultimate Ultimate 1995
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 30:00
|
Denver, United States
| Won Ultimate Ultimate 95 Tournament
|-
| Win
|align=center| 7–2
|
Tank Abbott
| Decision (unanimous)
|
Ultimate Ultimate 1995
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 18:00
|
Denver, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 6–2
|
Paul Varelans
| Submission (arm triangle choke)
|
Ultimate Ultimate 1995
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:40
|
Denver, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 5–2
|
Ken Shamrock
| Submission (guillotine choke)
|
UFC 6
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:14
|
Casper, United States
| For UFC Superfight Championship
|-
| Win
|align=center| 5–1
| Dave Beneteau
| Submission (keylock)
|
UFC 5
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:01
|
Charlotte, United States
| Won UFC 5 Tournament
|-
| Win
|align=center| 4–1
|
Oleg Taktarov
| TKO (cut)
|
UFC 5
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:21
|
Charlotte, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 3–1
| Joe Charles
| Submission (rear naked choke)
|
UFC 5
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:38
|
Charlotte, United States
|
|-
| Loss
|align=center| 2–1
|
Royce Gracie
| Submission (triangle choke)
|
UFC 4
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 15:49
|
Tulsa, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 2–0
| Marcus Bossett
| Submission (rear naked choke)
|
UFC 4
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:52
|
Tulsa, United States
|
|-
| Win
|align=center| 1–0
|
Anthony Macias
| Submission (rear naked choke)
|
UFC 4
|
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:45
|
Tulsa, United States
|
References
External links
Website of the film 'Catch - the hold not taken', featuring Dan Severn, a documentary on the impact of Wrestling in the UFC
Interview on Genickbruch.com
Dan Severn at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Dan Severn's interview with John Kline of Elevation Radio
MuscleSport Radio interview with Joe Pietaro, 6/16/09
Category:1958 births
Category:American mixed martial artists
Category:American professional wrestlers
Category:American sport wrestlers
Category:Arizona State University alumni
Category:American judoka
Category:American jujutsuka
Category:American sambo practitioners
Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists
Category:Living people
Category:Mixed martial artists from Michigan
Category:Professional wrestling trainers
Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions
fr:Dan Severn
ja:ダン・スバーン
pl:Dan Severn
pt:Dan Severn
fi:Dan Severn
sv:Dan Severn
uk:Ден Северн
pl:Dan Severn