Dan Severn
Dan "The Beast" Severn (born June 8, 1954 in Coldwater, Michigan) is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, notable for his success in the early years of Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments. Severn has also fought for many NHB and shootwrestling organizations including International Fighting Championship, Extreme Challenge, Future Brawl, United Shoot Wrestling Federation, PRIDE, U-Japan, King of the Cage, Gladiator Challenge and a number of Brazilian organizations.
Biography
Shoot Fighting
Severn made his first appearance with UFC at UFC #4: Revenge of the Warriors, where he captured the hearts of many UFC fans by executing an impressive back suplex on Anthony Macias. In the finals of UFC #4, Severn was defeated by Royce Gracie, who used a triangle choke hold. Severn captured the championship in UFC#5: Return of the Beast, defeating Oleg Taktarov. Severn went on to win Ultimate Ultimate '96, a tournament of UFC champions.
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 NWA in 1995, and defeated Chris Candido for his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Severn would go on to win the UFC championship that year, making him the first and only man to hold the NWA and UFC championships simultaneously. Severn would not again hold professional wrestling gold until 2001, when he again won the NWA championship, this time from Shinya Hashimoto. This title reign would be short-lived, as the title was stripped from Severn when he was unable to appear on the inagural TNA pay-per-view to defend his title; the belt was won that evening by Severn's long-time rival, Ken Shamrock.
Finishing and signature moves
Championships and accomplishments
- 1996 UFC Superfight Champion
- 1996 UFC Ultimate Ultimate
- UFC V 8-man tournament winner
- UFC IX tournament (defeating Ken Shamrock in Michigan) winner
- World Extreme Super Heavyweight Champion (defeating BJJ specialist Conan Silveria)
- Continental Freefighting Alliance Super Heavyweight Champion (current)
- Inducted into Arizona State University's wrestling Hall of Fame
- Undefeated in Danger Zone single bout competition.