DAN SEVERN
Dan Severn has captured the attention of fight and wrestling fans
all over the world since his 1994 debut
in the Ultimate Fighting Championships [UFC]. Dan is known as "The
Beast", a name
given to him by Jim Brown during one
of his many fights in the UFC. The native of Coldwater Michigan
has accepted all challengers in any no holds barred, or professional
wrestling events. On May 17, 1996, Dan was crowned the UFC Superfight
Champion in his home state of Michigan. He demolished "The
World's Most Dangerous Man",
Ken Shamrock to regain the title. Dan
is the only triple crown UFC champion in the sport today. Severn
has won two eight man tournaments and The Ultimate Ultimate 1996,
which pitted champions and runner-ups against each another to determine
the true champion of the sport.
Severn began his career in the fight
game as a Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestler.
Dan 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. Dan was inducted into Arizona State University's wrestling
hall of fame at the end of his prestigious collegiate career.
After
completing his degree program and graduation,
Dan continued on a quest to be the best amateur wrestler in the
world. Numerous competitions from 1982 to 1994 took him to Japan,
Hungary, Cuba, France, and Turkey.
On each trip, Severn captured another title. Dan 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.
In 1994, this distinguished athlete stepped into "The
Octagon" for
the first time. The octagon is a 6’ high steel cage that is the focal
point of the Ultimate Fighting Championships. The UFC is a no holds barred
competition where athletes display their skills in a full contact event. This
sport is the only event that pits athletes of different disciplines against
one another. In the beginning there were few rules; no biting and no eye gouging.
Through the years more rules have been added to the event to help the promoters
work with the athletic commissions around the country. A bout is ended by a
KO, TKO, athlete tap out, referee stoppage, or the towel being thrown. Severn
easily established his place among the best fighters in the world with his
awesome competitive fire to be the best.
The Beast's world class wrestling skill, commitment, and desire provided the
foundation for his success. Severn knew he needed to continue to improve his
arsenal, so he added black belts in the sports of Sombo, Judo, and Jui Jitsu
to his athletic package.
In addition to being technically skilled and feared
by his opponents, Dan is undeniably popular with the public. His athletic
abilities and charisma with the fans have created a bond with supporters
of this controversial sport. Severn always enters the arena to thousands
of fans chanting "Beast"!
Severn,
through his notoriety in the UFC stepped in a different ring in 1998. The
World Wrestling Federation wanted to capitalize on Severn's skills.
Dan wrestled weekly for the WWF weekly as he continued a grueling
appearance, seminar, and no holds barred fighting schedule. He is
known around the world as the most active competitor in sports today.
Competing for over 30 professional wrestling organizations, 12 fight
promotions, and speaking engagements. Dan also held the National
Wrestling Alliance heavyweight title in the professional wrestling
ranks for longer than any other previous NWA champion. He has over 95 state,
national, and international wrestling titles under his belt, and in 1999,
reached a milestone by competing in his 4000th match.
The future of
this renaissance man is unlimited. Dan 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. The Internet is full of the Beast's accomplishments, as well
as his official web site. 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.
Dan
has been instrumental in introducing fighters into the UFC, including a two-time
tournament champion. He has also introduced the first female no holds barred
fighter in the U.S. to the world. She is now the number one ranked fighter
on the scene today.
Severn has developed a 10,000 square foot training
facility on his property. This facility will be able to house and
train individuals for martial arts, amateur wrestling, professional
wrestling or the fight game. This facility is a haven for athletes
to train and gain the knowledge that the Beast has to offer.
In 1999, Dan joined forces with Becky Levi [the
number one ranked female fighter in the world]. They created a Mixed
Martial Arts promotion called The Danger Zone and currently showcase
tremendous fight cards around the country. This promotion is geared
around the amateur fighter to help develop a backbone to the sport.
Professional bouts and amateur tournaments are all part of the Danger
Zone.
With all the success and attention, Severn remains
humble and down to earth. Dan has strong ties to the community in
Coldwater, and in being a good role model for children. His motto
is "Not only do you need to build a
strong body, but you must also build a strong mind to enhance it".
Titles:
- The only triple crown Ultimate Fighting
Champion. Winner of UFC V 8-man tournament - the Ultimate Ultimate
that pits tournament Champions and runner-ups in the best of the
best 8 man tournament, UFC IX where Dan beat Ken Shamrock in front
of a sold out crowd in his home state of MI.
- World Extreme Super Heavyweight Champion.
He defeated BJJ specialist Conan Silveria.
- Continental Freefighting Alliance Super
Heavyweight Champion. He remains the Champion after defeating Bart
Vale and John Dixon.
- Undefeated in Danger Zone single bout
competition.
Severn has fought for many
NHB and shootwrestling organizations
including International Fighting Championship, Extreme Challenge,
Future Brawl, United Shoot Wrestling Federation, Pride, U-Japan
and a few Brazilian organizations. Dan is considered to be the most
active fighter in the sport today.
Athletic Accomplishments:
- Ultimate Fighting Champion
- One Year Semi-Pro Football
- 1st Degree Black Belt - Combat Sambo
- National Champion in Greco Roman, Freestyle
and Sambo Wrestling
- National Wrestling Alliance Professional
- Wrestling World Champion
- 3rd Degree Black Belt - Judo and JuJitsu
- Toughman Kickboxing Champion
- Olympic Alternate - 1984 and 1988 in
Wrestling
- Coaching: 15 years experience [Arizona
State, Michigan State, Michigan Wrestling Club]
- Holder of 90 State, National and International
- Records/Titles for Greco-Roman-Freestyle-Sambo-Judo
Professional Highlights:
- Motion picture Rudy [Tri-Star Productions]
playing a Notre Dame football player
- Appearance on CBS drama Nash Bridges
- Athlete model for sports calendar [United
States Wrestling Association]
- Professional wrestling video tapes,
UFC Instructional video "Secrets of the Octagon"
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