| Dan Severn | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.jpg) Severn in 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | Daniel DeWayne Severn (1958-06-09)June 9, 1958 (age 67) Coldwater, Michigan, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other names | The Beast | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 253 lb (115 kg; 18 st 1 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Division | Heavyweight Openweight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Style | Wrestling | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stance | Southpaw | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fighting out of | Montrose, Michigan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | 5th Dan Black Belt inJudo 2nd Dan Black Belt inJujutsu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wrestling | Two-time NCAA Division I All-American, Olympic alternate 1984, 1988 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years active | 1991–present (Professional wrestling) 1994–2013 (MMA) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mixed martial arts record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 127 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 101 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By knockout | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By submission | 54 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By decision | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By knockout | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By submission | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By decision | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draws | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Arizona State University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse | Rhiannon Severn | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Website | dansevern | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mixed martial arts record fromSherdog | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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| Professional wrestling career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ring names |
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| Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Billed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Billed from | Flint, Michigan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trained by | Al Snow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debut | 1992 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retired | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Daniel DeWayne Severn (born June 9, 1958[1]), nicknamed "the Beast", is an American retiredprofessional wrestler, retiredmixed martial artist[2] andamateur wrestler. AUFC Hall of Fame member, Severn is considered one of the leading pioneers of mixed martial arts[3][4] and the first true world-class wrestler to compete in theUltimate Fighting Championship.[5] He is best known for his success in the early years of the UFC where he became the first UFC Triple Crown champion in history by winning theUFC 5 tournament,Ultimate Ultimate 1995, andUFC Superfight Championship. Severn has also competed inKing of the Cage,PRIDE FC,Cage Rage,WEC,RINGS andMFC, and holds a professional MMA Record of 101–19–7.
In professional wrestling, Severn is a two-timeworld champion by winning theNWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship twice, with his first reign lasting for over four years, and anNWA Hall of Fame member. During his almost year-long tenure with theWorld Wrestling Federation, he wasmanaged byJim Cornette.[6] He is the first man to compete in UFC and WWF at the same time and held theNWA and UFC championships at the same time. Severn is aworld record holder for holding 13 championships.[7] He is also the only person to be honored by theGeorge Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame three times.[8]
Inamateur wrestling, Severn was a two timeAll-American atArizona State University and a U.S.Olympic Team alternate.[9]
Severn was born and raised incentral Michigan, living in bothMontrose andColdwater, and grew up farming. He learned a lot on the farm and "got his hands dirty".[10]
Severn was a basketball player duringjunior high school. He was influenced in sports from a young age. During his teen years, he took part incombat sports as he competed inamateur wrestling. He says that the coach approached him to fill in for aweight class in amateur wrestling after a sickness had gone around his school and led to a shortage of competitors, Severn signed to compete for the high school amateur wrestling team and received training.[11]
Severn has a long history inGreco-Roman andfreestyle wrestling. His amateur wrestling career started in high school and according to many was an "absolute machine" at 191.5 pounds. He won both sports' national championships in 1976 and was named the "Outstanding High School wrestler in the nation". Before his 18th birthday, he placed in the Olympic trials.[12] Severn was inducted into Arizona State University's wrestling hall of fame at the end of his collegiate career.
Severn was a two time All-American atArizona State University,[13] the original Sunkist Kid of theSunkist Kids,[14] and a wrestling coach at both hisalma mater Arizona State andMichigan State. In addition to his home country, he has wrestled inCanada,Mexico,Brazil,Japan,England, and several other countries. Severn won a gold medal at the 1985National Sports Festival, and a berth on the U.S. World team.[15]
Severn failed to win in Olympic trials in 1984 and 1988, and was a finalist in the trials. During the 1984 Olympic trials, he lost the final qualifying match in controversial fashion to eventual gold medal winnerLou Banach, a match that Severn credits with launching his career. "I would have retired in 1984 from competition had everything gone the way it should have gone...I should have been on the Olympic freestyle wrestling team and I should have won the gold medal. Instead, I went to Los Angeles as the alternate, and saw the guy I thought I beat win the gold medal. It was really tough for me to swallow that. That's what kept me going on."[12] In his long career, he has held many national and international titles. He was often introduced to the UFCOctagon as holding more than 100 in total. Severn also held the US national record for victories by pin from 1976 to 1992.
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 asUSA 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 on48 Hours,20/20,The Gordon Elliott Show,Nash Bridges, and many commercials.
Severn has developed a 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) training facility on his property called "Michigan Sports Camps" inColdwater, Michigan. This facility is able to house and train individuals for mixed martial arts,boxing,kickboxing, amateur wrestling and professional wrestling.
Severn started cross-training inJudo incollege, in an effort to improve his wrestling skills.[16] Severn would later use his wrestling and Judo skills to compete in the Russian martial art of Sambo, becoming AAU Sambo champion, while he also gained experience inJujutsu prior to the UFC.
In 1994, Severn started competing in theUltimate Fighting Championships (UFC). In his first fight at UFC 4, he surprised many UFC fans by executing two impressive back suplexes onAnthony Macias. In the finals, Severn was defeated byRoyce Gracie who secured atriangle choke for the victory. The submission loss came after Severn avoided Gracie's submission efforts for 15 minutes, the longest UFC fight up until that time. He was the first world-class wrestler to enter the UFC, foreshadowing the period of dominance by wrestlers such asDon Frye inUFC 8 and9 andMark Coleman inUFC 10 and11.
Severn soon returned to mixed martial arts competition, defeating several opponents to capture the tournament championship atUFC 5:Return of the Beast. Severn's second fight was with RussianOleg Taktarov atUFC 5. He won byTKO after the referee stopped the fight due to a cut.
After winning UFC 5, Severn was matched up withKen Shamrock atUFC 6 to determine the firstUFC Superfight Champion, but was defeated by Shamrock early in the fight viasubmission.
Severn then entered the UFC'sUltimate Ultimate 1995, which at the time was the toughest and most competitive tournament in UFC history, consisting of past UFC tournament champions and runners-up. Severn defeatedPaul Varelans,David "Tank" Abbott, andUFC 6 Tournament ChampionOleg 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 ChampionKen Shamrock for theUFC 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.[17] With the win, Severn captured his third title for the promotion.
When Severn made his entrance in his fights, he would carry theNational Wrestling Alliance Worlds Heavyweight Championship out of his respect and passion for professional wrestling. Conversely, he made his entrance in WWF with his UFC Championship.
In 1996, Severn managed his friend and fellow wrestler and judokaDon Frye, as well as wrestling championDan Bobish, in their own mixed martial arts ventures. Frye would win theUFC 8 andUltimate Ultimate 96 tournaments. The team was also expanded with female judokaBecky Levi.
In 1999, Severn founded 'The Danger Zone', a new mixed martial arts promotion intended to provide a platform for amateur fighters, in which Severn also fought. Severn has also trained and became a mentor to notable mixed martial artists including formerUFC Light Heavyweight ChampionRashad Evans,The Ultimate Fighter competitorLuke Zachrich,Sean Sherk, and formerUFC Light Heavyweight ChampionQuinton "Rampage" Jackson.[18]
In 2000, Severn returned to the UFC for UFC 27, quickly losing to Pedro Rizzo after a kick to the knee.
Severn was inducted into theUFC Hall of Fame atUFC 52.[19]
Severn continued his MMA career on January 29, 2011, by racking up his 97th, and 8th straight, 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.[20]
Severn defeated Cal Worsham again, this time via unanimous decision in the main event of Legends Collide 2 on February 20, 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.[21]
Severn earned his 100th career victory on April 16, 2011, with asubmission victory over Aaron Garcia at KOTC: Texas.[22]
Severn is one of only two fighters with over 100 wins in mixed martial arts. He has beaten the other fighter, Travis Fulton, and drew against him in the rematch.[23][24]
On January 1, 2013, Severn announced his retirement from MMA competition.[25]
Severn was scheduled to face fellow mixed martial arts veteranKen Shamrock on March 20, 2016, in a MMA match for the upstart URFight promotion. However, Shamrock claimed to have been injured during his bout with Royce Gracie at Bellator 149, and was later suspended after his pre-fightblood sample tested positive for banned substances.Tank Abbott was brought in as a late replacement but failed a pre-fight physical and the bout was scrapped altogether. Severn later appeared at the event and articulated his plans to continue his fighting career and his hopes to fight at a future URFight event.[26] Severn later released a statement condemning Shamrock's actions and casting doubt upon his injury claims.[27]
Severn's fight withMitsuhiro Matsunaga at U-Japan's only event on November 17, 1996, has been called a professional wrestlingwork by fans and fighters.[28] The promotion hired several professional wrestlers for this event such as Severn and Matsunaga, as well asBam Bam Bigelow.Big Van Vader was also scheduled to fight UFC fighterKimo Leopoldo, but dropped out of the fight. Most of the MMA fighters on the card fought other MMA fighters, but Severn fought a professional wrestler. During the fight, Severn did not fight with any traditional MMA or amateur wrestling techniques of the time, instead choosing to perform moves like professional wrestling style body slams while Matsunaga offered very little resistance. Severn finished the fight with a reverse armbar, which is practically unheard of in MMA. In amateur wrestling it is used as a hold to pin an opponent. Reverse armbars are also a popular move in professional wrestling.
On October 11, 1997, Severn fought Kimo Leopoldo at Pride FC's inaugural event in Tokyo, Japan. Pride FC, especially in it's early years, were accused of having fixing fights.[29][30][31][32] During the fight, both fighters threw almost nothing but light strikes for 29 of the 30 minutes. Severn tied Leopoldo in strikes[33] despite Severn having almost no striking skills, and Leopoldo having a kickboxing background. Leopoldo was also well known to be very weak in the wrestling aspect of MMA. Severn did not begin to make any serious grappling attempts until the last minute of the fight. The Japanese fans were so angered by the fight that Severn was never invited back to Pride. This was especially angering to them because Japanese fans enjoyed the wrestling and submissions aspect of MMA more than Western fans.
On June 25, 1999, Severn foughtBrad Kohler at an event in Cleveland, Ohio that was put on by Ultimate Wrestling MMA. Monte Cox, the promoter of the fight, did an interview with the Lytes Out podcast where he claims the fight was originally supposed to be a real fight. However, Severn came to Cox and explained that he wasn't going to be able to do a real fight, and needed to do a fixed fight. Both Severn and Kohler assured Cox that they could make it look real. It was obvious to MMA fighterJeremy Horn who was the referee that it was a fixed fight though.[34] The fight had almost no strikes and consisted mostly of professional wrestling style slams. After about seven minutes of fighting, Kohler ran towards Severn as he was leaning against the ropes and when he hit Severn they both went over the ropes and into the crowd. Severn returned to the ring and won by count out. There is not a single other instance of an MMA fight ending in a count out because this is something done only in professional wrestling.
Longtime regional MMA legendTravis Fulton[35] claimed in some 2004 forum posts while interacting with fans onMixedMartialArts.com that several of Severn's fights were fixed, including their fights together, saying:
Severn has a financial interest in keeping the works secret. Severn is a good guy though. His works are as follows: vs Kohler vs Japanese guy in U Japan vs Butterbean vs me in DZ(Severn's MMA organization) and then 2 more that I am not at liberty to speak about. But I know for a fact that they were works. I can't tell though because I'd lose friends in the process. Other than that everything else Severn has done is legit. Wins over Oleg, Shamrock, Tank, Braga, Griffin, Conan, Neto, Buentello, Vale, Sims, and Eilers are very impressive. Not many people have defeated so many big names.[28]
On June 30, 2001, Severn faced off against Travis Fulton in World Extreme Cage Fighting's(WEC) inaugural event in Lemoore, CA for their third fight together. Fulton disclosed after the fight that Severns manager Becky Levi approached Fulton on behalf of Severn, and Levi told Fulton that they don't want this fight unless they get paid more money. She also asked Fulton to go easy and guarantee Severn the victory or they would not fight. Fulton accepted. It was very noticeable to referee Mason White that Fulton was holding back from punching Severn. Fulton was well known to be a well rounded fighter with a powerful right hook. According to Fulton, he agreed to not throw any punches because one of his hands was hurt. This led to the IFC suspending Severn, Fulton and Levi from fighting in their organization.[36] The WEC also never allowed them to ever fight in the promotion again.
Severn's fight withShannon Ritch on July 2, 2005 in Honolulu, Hawaii is widely considered to be a fixed fight.[37][38] Ritch was also suspended by the California State Athletic Commission in September of 2006 for an alleged fixed fight.[39] Longtime UFC veteranChael Sonnen said that they were doing gymnastics and professional wrestling moves during the fight, and also said that the "interviews after the fact were worse than the job you did in the ring faking it".[40] MMA fighter Brian Geraghty, who was present at the fight, said in an interview that the promotor for the fight was furiously cursing at the obvious fake fight, and the fighters who were present ringside were laughing at the absurdity.[41]
As Severn is accomplished in amateur wrestling, he is also an accomplished professional wrestler, having competed inshoot style wrestling forUWF International in Japan, as well as theNational Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and theWorld Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the US. Severn claimsLou Thesz as an influence toprofessional wrestling. Thesz would later become a fan of Severn after watching him compete in UWFi and UFC, praising Severn's wrestling skills.
Severn originally started competing in professional wrestling in 1992 forUWF-I (Universal Wrestling Federation International) under the Union Of Professional Wrestling Force. This is the international version and not to be confused withUWF-J which is the Japanese version. In his debut match on November 25, 1992, he defeatedYuko Miyato. (also known as Shigeo Miyato)[42] He then defeated the likes ofYoji Anjo, andKiyoshi Tamura, which lead to 1993. On February 14, 1993, Dan Severn was defeated byNobuhiko Takada. This was Severn's first official loss in professional wrestling.
On January 28, 1994, Severn began to wrestle for All American Pro Wrestling (AAPW) and facedShinobi in a winning effort. One day later he beat his former trainer,Al Snow on an AAPW show.[43] Severn began to branch out to other promotions such asBorder City Wrestling (BCW) andContinental Championship Wrestling (CCW). On August 13, 1993, in UWF-I, Severn andGary Albright defeated Kiyoshi Tamura and Nobuhiko Takada. This was Severn's first tag team match, thus beginning his tag team career. 1993 was the first year that Severn made the Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500, at No. 389.[44]
During his time with the Union Of Professional Wrestling Force International, Severn participated in theBest Of The World 1994 tournament, Dan finished before the semi-finals.[45]
On February 18, 1995, Severn was the number one contender againstBruiser Bedlam for Midwest Territorial Wrestling Heavyweight Championship at a Midwest Territorial Wrestling (MTW) event. However, the match ended in a no contest thus saw Bedlam retain the title.
Severn entered theNational Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1995, making his debut for the governing body at an event on January 6, by defeating Johnny Johnson in a "wrestler versus boxer" match. On February 24, Severn defeatedChris Candido to capture his firstNWA World Heavyweight Championship at aSmoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) event. Severn made his first title defense on March 17 against Benson Lee at aSteel City Wrestling event, where he retained the title. He went on to win the UFC 5 tournament Championship in April, making him the first and only man to hold an MMA and a professional wrestling championship simultaneously.
Severn defended the title on various NWA promotions, with most of his title defenses taking place in NWA New Jersey. His challengers during his first year of title reign includedOsamu Nishimura,Tommy Cairo, Max Anthony,Yoshihiro Tajiri,Andre Baker, Tony Monroe, Geza Kalman Jr., andJim Neidhart. He also returned to SMW, retaining the title againstBobby Blaze twice, atCharlotte Memories andSuperbowl of Wrestling. He toured Japan, competing forInternational Wrestling Association (IWA) atKawasaki Dream where he defeatedTarzan Goto to retain the title in front of a massive 28,000 fans at theKawasaki Stadium. Severn was ranked No. 4 for the "most inspirational wrestler" award and No. 35 on the PWI 500 byPro Wrestling Illustrated in 1995.[46]
Severn continued to retain the title in 1996, against the likes of Jim Neidhart, Ghetto Blaster,Repo Man, and Geza Kalman Jr. He also defeated his trainerAl Snow at theFirst Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl. He retained the title throughout 1997 againstHarley Lewis,Jimmy Cicero,Johnny Paradise,Devon Storm andTyphoon. Severn also defended the title against the legendaryDory Funk Jr. at theSecond Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl. The match ended in a double count-out, resulting in Severn retaining the title. In the autumn of 1997, Severn returned to IWA Japan, where he retained the World Heavyweight Championship twice, againstThe Great Kabuki andLeatherface.
Severn held onto the title throughout 1998, retaining againstFranz Schuhmann at theThird Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl. The other challengers for the title whom he defeated that year includedRod Price, Paul Atlas, Rik Ratchet,Lance Diamond,Doug Gilbert,Sgt. Craig Pittman,Doink the Clown and Mike Roselli. Severn's final two title defenses were at major supercards, the first againstSteven Regal at50th Anniversary Show andHack Meyers at NWA Florida eventWrestleGrowl '98. Severn defeated both challengers to retain the title.
After holding the title for four years, Severn lost the World Heavyweight Championship toNaoya Ogawa at a Universal Fighting-Arts Organization eventBattle in the Hama Ring on March 14, 1999. Severn's reign was the longest reign in over two decades and thethird-longest reign in the history of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Severn would challenge Ogawa for the title in a rematch at NWA Southwest on May 28. The match ended in a double count-out. It was restarted but ended in a five-minute time-limit draw.
Severn returned to NWA by appearing at a NWA Florida eventFebruary Fury on February 20, 2001. The following year, Severn defeatedShinya Hashimoto to win his second NWA World Heavyweight Championship at aPro Wrestling Zero-One eventVast Energy on March 3, 2002. He defended the title only once against Big Kahuna at a Canadian Wrestling Federation (CWF) event on April 14. The match ended in a no contest. This title reign was controversial and short-lived, as the title was stripped from Severn when he was unable to appear on the inauguralTotal Nonstop Action Wrestlingpay-per-view to defend his title; the belt was won that evening by Ken Shamrock. On July 5, Severn challengedHotstuff Hernandez for theNWA National Heavyweight Championship. The match ended in a double disqualification.
Severn returned to NWA at itsUnited Kingdom-based territory NWA UK Hammerlock, where he defeated Johnny Moss on February 16, 2006. Severn lost the title back to Moss two days later on February 18.
In 2010, Severn was inducted into theNWA Hall of Fame.[47]
Severn made his first appearance in the WWF with theNWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship on June 23, 1997, to join thecolor commentary team. Severn had not signed a contract with WWF by this point. He commentated onKen Shamrock's match against Rockabilly (Billy Gunn). Ken won the match with abelly-to-belly suplex followed by an ankle lock. After the match, the two had a stare down and eventually shook hands.[48]
As NWA champion, Severn debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in February 1998 during astory line wherethe NWA invaded the WWF. Severn also wrestled onNWA territories at the same time during his tenure with the WWF. Severn was first seen attackingThe Headbangers when they were feuding withBob Holly andBart Gunn, who were a part of the NWA invasion. In his debut match on March 31, he defeatedFlash Funk in quick fashion. He was briefly managed by Jim Cornette whocommentated during his matches and helped "get him over". During his entrance, he and Jim carried his titles consisting of UFC/MMA championship belts and theNWA world's heavyweight title. Cornette stated that "He has so many titles he keeps some at home because he can't take them in the airport", which is why Dan brought his most prestigious championships. His character was portrayed as aheel (villain). Like Flash Funk, he defeated multiple opponents afterwards, the likes ofSavio Vega andMosh, in quick fashion and by showing some of his Mixed Martial style and ability. This led to a winning streak. The NWA invasion was brief and saw the debut ofThe Midnight Express and a repackagedJeff Jarrett.Barry Windham was also a member. Severn would tag team with these members from the stable. Severn would then leave the stable soon after to continue further singles competition on his own.
He feuded with old MMA rival Ken Shamrock, where the WWF played up their history in UFC. During his one-year tenure, he competed in theBrawl for All tournament, (a legitimateshoot boxing competition) beatingThe Godfather in the first round. However, he withdrew prior to thequarterfinals, allowing The Godfather to advance by default. He would also take part in the 1998King of the Ring tournament, defeatingD'Lo Brown andOwen Hart before losing toThe Rock in the semi-finals.
Dan made hisWWF Shotgun Saturday night debut in the opening match against G.I Will in a squash match. On the June 8, 1998, episode of Monday Night Raw, Severn would (kayfabe) injure Brown'srib cage via thebow and arrow submission hold, causing him to wear a chest protector for the next few months.[49] On July 28, 1998, Severn competed against D'Lo Brown for theWWF European Championship. He would win the match by disqualification, meaning Brown retained the championship.
Later that year he was involved in a storyline with Owen Hart, where Hart caused an (kayfabe) injury to the neck of Severn, via apiledriver.[50] He was part of the 1999Royal Rumble, being the 8th entrant and lasting almost 6 minutes before being eliminated byMabel. He left the WWF due to creative differences. His last match was on the following Raw, whereSteve Blackman defeated Severn via disqualification. In house shows leading up to this, Blackman would defeat Severn every time.
According to Severn, shortly before the 1999 Royal Rumble, the WWF asked to him to tattoo "666" on his forehead ("the mark of the beast") and become an Undertaker disciple, presumably as part of hisMinistry of Darkness stable forming during that time. Severn refused to do this, telling the company that he was uncomfortable with the nature of the storyline. When the company responded by telling Severn that they would bury his character if he declined to do as they asked, Severn countered by threatening to use his legitimate wrestling and fighting skills toshoot on his coworkers and make them "look silly" in the process.[51] This caused the WWF to back off on the idea, but Severn still asked for and received a release not too long after.
Severn in a recorded interview stated that the talent of thelocker room was scared of him. He said he noticed this when they referred to him as "Mr. Severn" and thought it was a "rib" (joke) as well as wrestlers avoiding him. He asked one of the talent and they responded saying, "You scare us. We're afraid that you're going to wig out in one of our matches."[52]
Severn appeared in 2000 in the short-lived WXO promotion.
In 2006 Severn wrestled onAWE, the television series which had 1 season and 7 episodes on thefight network. After this, the AWE folded due to financial issues.
In 2015, on Great North Wrestling (GNW) Dan facedHannibal for the Great North Wrestling Canadian Championship in a losing effort.[53]
In May 2016, Dan signed with AIW for a promotional deal. He was put into a championship tournament named the "JT Lightning Invitational Tournament 2016" Severn advanced by defeatingColin Delaney. Severn was knocked out of the tournament in the semi-finals in a fatal four-way match whenRaymond Rowe was the victor against Dan,Tim Donst andTracey Williams.
On February 4, 2017, Severn was inducted into the War Wrestling Hall of Fame inLima, OH.
On May 12, 2017, Dan Severn competed at Gladiator Championship Wrestling against Brent Myers in a winning effort via his Beast Choker finishingsubmission move. Then on June 3, Dan returned to Price of Glory Wrestling where he defeated "so fine" Frank Isaac Anderson, who Severn trained to become a professional wrestler.
On March 17, 2019,Josh Barnett announced viaTwitter that Severn would be participating inGame Changer Wrestling's (GCW)Bloodsport, an event that featuresworked matches presented in ashoot style. Severn competed against formerUFC Heavyweight ChampionFrank Mir in Mir's professional wrestling debut at the event on April 4.[54] Severn lost the match.
On April 5, 2019, Severn appeared forMajor League Wrestling at their secondBattle Riot event. He competed in the titular match, entering at number two and was eventually eliminated byMinoru Tanaka.[55]
Severn founded Midwest Wrestling Alliance (MWA) with Mark Pennington, based out ofColdwater, Michigan in June 2004. Utilizing the many students at his pro wrestling school Michigansports camps, they created the popular promotion running on a monthly basis. In 2005, the promotion was renamed Price of Glory (PoG). Severn competed many times in PoG against the likes ofJimmy Jacobs, N8 Mattson, CJ Otis, Jack Thriller and more. He was a referee for Price of Glory 17: Merry Massacre in 2005.
On June 21, 2009, Severn and Johnny Dynamo had acareer vs career match for the POGW Heavyweight Championship atFaded Glory IV, where the loser would be forced to retire. After a technical match-up, Severn came out as the victor and won the Price of Glory Heavyweight championship. The show ended with the two wrestlers showing respect to each other and the roster came out to pay tribute to Dynamo's career.[56] Severn vacated the title atIntrusion on September 13. After running for fourteen years, the promotion closed in 2018.
Severn has starred in variousmovies andtelevision series, starting in 1993 withRudy, in which he played afootball player. The movie is asports/dramafilm directed by David Anspaugh.[57]
Severn then appeared in two episodes ofNash Bridges in 1998 and 1999.[58]
In 2005, he played a police captain inSwamp Zombies, anaction/horror film directed byLen Kabasinski.[59]
In 2010, Severn acted as an applicant for the movieMinor League: A Football Story directed byClenet Verdi-Rose. The movie is a sport/comedy/drama about a struggling minor league football team that is not doing well and as their newly signed coach, Severn gives the team a second chance to change things around.[60]
Also in 2010, Severn acted as "The Beast" in the action movie calledKill Factor directed and written byLeo Fong. The plot is about a detective on the track of a serial killer in L.A.[61]
In late 2010, Severn played himself inTetherball: The Movie directed by Chris Nickin. It is a sports/comedy movie and the plot of the movie is that three friends decide to start atetherball league and wind up becoming amateur athletes and have "more booze, babes, and balls than they can handle."[62]
In 2012, Severn acted in theamateur wrestling movieWin by Fall directed by Chris Nickin, as the character called Coach Winters. The movie is about a wrestler named Scott Reynolds, who is the state's best 152-pound wrestler. The team's 171-pound wrestler breaks his leg and coach Winters (played by Severn) moves Scott up to the 171-pound division. If Scott wants to go to college and earn ascholarship, he must win in his new weight class.[63]
In 2014, Severn acted inCollege Fright Night which is a comedy/horror movie directed by Brad Leo Lyon. Severn plays as apolice officer.[64]
In 2016, Severn acted as a referee inBeyond the Game which is an action movie directed by Erken Ialgashev and written by J. Stephen Maunder and David Mitchell. The plot summary is contestants in a reality show have to fight to survive.[65]
Also in 2016, Severn starred as the character Rich Chandler inThe Fight Within, which is a sport/action/romance movie directed by Michael William Gordon. The movie is based on Logan Chandler, anMMA fighter.[66]
Severn is featured on the front covers of many martial arts magazines such as theTae Kwon Do Times andKarate Kung-fu.[67]
Severn was born inColdwater, Michigan, and went to high school at Hill McCloy HS located inMontrose, Michigan. He has four brothers, all of whom were All-American wrestlers in high school and college.[68] Severn has five children. His son, David Severn, is a professional and amateur wrestler. He has won two state championships in his home state of Michigan.[69][70]
Severn has anautobiography published namedThe Realest Guy in the Room: The Life and Times of Dan Severn. It was co-authored by Ian Douglass and was originally published on July 7, 2016.[71] It includes a foreword from Jim Cornette, who managed Severn during his WWF run.
Severn owns his own mixed martial arts camp inColdwater, Michigan.
Mixed martial arts[edit]
| Professional wrestling[edit]
|
| 127 matches | 101 wins | 19 losses |
| By knockout | 23 | 4 |
| By submission | 54 | 8 |
| By decision | 24 | 7 |
| Draws | 7 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 101–19–7 | Alex Rozman | Decision (unanimous) | Blue Blood MMA | April 28, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Davenport, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 100–19–7 | Lee Beane | KO (punches) | Paul Vandale Promotions: The Beast Comes East | May 20, 2011 | 1 | 3:28 | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States | |
| Loss | 100–18–7 | Ryan Fortin | KO (punches) | King Of The Cage: Mile Zero | April 29, 2011 | 3 | 4:04 | Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada | |
| Win | 100–17–7 | Aaron Garcia | Submission (neck crank) | KOTC: Texas | April 16, 2011 | 1 | 2:18 | Lubbock, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 99–17–7 | Cal Worsham | Decision (unanimous) | Gladiator Challenge: Legends Collide 2 | February 20, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jacinto, California, United States | |
| Win | 98–17–7 | Scott Fraser | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Elite-1 MMA: Tapping Out | January 29, 2011 | 1 | 4:59 | Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada | Won the Elite-1 MMA Heavyweight Title. |
| Win | 97–17–7 | William Hatch | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | King of the Cage: Black Ops | December 4, 2010 | 1 | 4:23 | Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 96–17–7 | Tom Benesocky | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | King of the Cage 48 | November 21, 2010 | 1 | 1:33 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 95–17–7 | Chad Olmstead | TKO (punches) | King of the Cage: Lock Down | July 30, 2010 | 2 | 1:27 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 94–17–7 | Sam Flood | Submission (guillotine choke) | King of the Cage: Fearless | April 24, 2010 | 1 | 4:24 | Penticton, British Columbia, Canada | |
| Win | 93–17–7 | Buddie Dixion | TKO (punches) | King of the Cage: Thunderstruck ll | March 18, 2010 | 2 | 2:22 | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 92–17–7 | Eddie Trotter | TKO (doctor stoppage) | GFC: Gladiator Fighting Championship | October 24, 2009 | 1 | 5:00 | Jenkins, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 91–17–7 | Woody Young | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | KOTC: Disputed | July 25, 2009 | 2 | 2:31 | Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, United States | |
| Win | 90–17–7 | Steve Eakins | Decision (unanimous) | Gladiator Challenge: The Beast | May 16, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Elko, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 89–17–7 | William Richey | Decision (split) | Iroquois: MMA Championships 7 | January 24, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Hagersville, Ontario, Canada | |
| Loss | 89–16–7 | Pavel Botka | Decision | Heaven or Hell: Hell Cage | May 3, 2008 | N/A | N/A | Prague, Czech Republic | |
| Win | 89–15–7 | Damon Clark | Submission (kimura) | WFC: Armageddon | April 12, 2008 | 1 | 2:30 | Denver, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 88–15–7 | Colin Robinson | Decision (unanimous) | Cage Wars: Max Extreme fighting | March 9, 2008 | 3 | N/A | Belfast, Northern Ireland | |
| Win | 87–15–7 | Ian Asham | Submission (kimura) | Iroquois: MMA Championships II | February 9, 2008 | N/A | N/A | Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada | |
| Win | 86–15–7 | Don Richards | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: Bad Boys | November 21, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States | |
| Win | 85–15–7 | Jimmy Westfall | Decision (unanimous) | Universal Fight Promotions | October 13, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | New Mexico, United States | |
| Win | 84–15–7 | Mark Smith | TKO (corner stoppage) | Titans of the Pentagon | September 22, 2007 | 1 | N/A | San José, Costa Rica | |
| Win | 83–15–7 | Victor Vincelette | Submission (choke) | WFC: Rumble in the Red Rocks | June 9, 2007 | 1 | 1:35 | Camp Verde, Arizona, United States | |
| Win | 82–15–7 | Terrell Pree | Submission (armbar) | WVF: Minot | April 21, 2007 | 1 | 4:18 | Minot, North Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 81–15–7 | Jason Keith | Submission (rear-naked choke) | GC 60: Invasion | March 23, 2007 | 1 | 2:36 | Farmington, New Mexico, United States | |
| Win | 80–15–7 | Kasey Geyer | Submission (rear-naked choke) | CCCF: Riverwind Rumble | February 24, 2007 | 2 | 1:25 | Norman, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 79–15–7 | Clifford Coon | Submission (rear-naked choke) | CCCF: Red River Riot | February 17, 2007 | 1 | 1:53 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Loss | 78–15–7 | Dave Legeno | Decision (unanimous) | Cage Rage 20 | February 10, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | London, England | |
| Win | 78–14–7 | Wade Hamilton | Submission (keylock) | KOTC: Mass Destruction | January 26, 2007 | 1 | 3:08 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States | |
| Win | 77–14–7 | Chris Clark | Submission (heel hook) | IFC: Rumble on the River 2 | November 10, 2006 | 1 | 3:08 | Kearney, Nebraska, United States | |
| Win | 76–14–7 | Brian Heden | Decision (split) | NFA: Night of the Beast | September 23, 2006 | 4 | 5:00 | Fargo, North Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 75–14–7 | Skip Hall | Submission (choke) | Independent event | August 26, 2006 | 1 | N/A | Alabama, United States | |
| Win | 74–14–7 | Lanny Griffin | Submission (scarf hold) | Indiana Martial Arts | August 12, 2006 | 1 | 0:46 | Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 73–14–7 | Robert Berry | Submission (rear-naked choke) | MMA Total Combat 16 | June 3, 2006 | 1 | 4:21 | Spennymoor, England | |
| Win | 72–14–7 | Victor Vincelette | TKO (submission to punches) | WFC: Rumble in the Rockies | January 21, 2006 | 1 | 1:22 | Loveland, Colorado, United States | |
| Loss | 71–14–7 | Joop Kasteel | KO (punch) | Rings Holland: Men of Honor | December 11, 2005 | 1 | 1:28 | Utrecht, Netherlands | |
| Win | 71–13–7 | Tyson Smith | TKO (submission to punches) | Action Wrestling Entertainment | October 5, 2005 | 1 | 4:12 | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | |
| Loss | 70–13–7 | Victor Valimaki | Decision (unanimous) | MFC 8: Resurrection | September 9, 2005 | 3 | 5:00 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 70–12–7 | Rick Collup | TKO (submission to knees) | GC 39: Titans Collide | July 17, 2005 | 2 | 3:11 | Porterville, California, United States | |
| Win | 69–12–7 | Shannon Ritch | Submission (triangle choke) | Extreme Wars: X-1 | July 2, 2005 | 2 | 1:05 | Honolulu, United States | |
| Win | 68–12–7 | Shannon Ritch | Submission (keylock) | Northern Fighting Championships | June 3, 2005 | 2 | N/A | Alaska, United States | |
| Loss | 67–12–7 | Bob Stines | Submission | Warrior: MMA 4 | March 12, 2005 | 1 | 0:52 | Corbin, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 67–11–7 | Cal Worsham | TKO (doctor stoppage) | GC 34: Legends Collide | January 27, 2005 | 3 | 3:29 | Colusa, California, United States | |
| Win | 66–11–7 | Lee Mein | TKO | Continental Fighting Championships | November 20, 2004 | 2 | 1:41 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada | |
| Loss | 65–11–7 | James Thompson | Decision (unanimous) | UC 11: Wrath of the Beast | September 12, 2004 | 5 | 5:00 | Bristol, England | |
| Win | 65–10–7 | Chad Rafdel | TKO (corner stoppage) | AFA: Beast | July 31, 2004 | 1 | 3:00 | Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 64–10–7 | Hidetada Irie | Decision (unanimous) | Gladiator FC: Day 1 | June 26, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Seoul, South Korea | |
| Win | 63–10–7 | Ruben Villareal | Decision (split) | GC 27: FightFest 2 | June 3, 2004 | 2 | 5:00 | Colusa, California, United States | |
| Win | 62–10–7 | Greg Lockhart | Submission | Dangerzone: Professional Level Cage Fighting | April 10, 2004 | 2 | 1:45 | Osceola, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 61–10–7 | Johnathan Ivey | Decision (unanimous) | Hardcore Fighting Championships 3 | March 27, 2004 | N/A | N/A | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States | |
| Loss | 60–10–7 | Tony Bonello | Submission (rear-naked choke) | XFC 4: Australia vs The World | March 19, 2004 | 1 | 1:36 | Brisbane, Australia | |
| Loss | 60–9–7 | Ulysses Castro | Submission (verbal) | Enter the Beast | March 6, 2004 | 3 | 2:45 | Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada | |
| Draw | 60–8–7 | Jerry Vrbanovic | Draw | KOTC 33: After Shock | February 20, 2004 | 2 | 5:00 | San Jacinto, California, United States | |
| Loss | 60–8–6 | Seth Petruzelli | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC 32: Bringing Heat | January 24, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Miami, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 60–7–6 | Ray Seraille | Submission (armbar) | Pacific X-Treme Combat | January 17, 2004 | 3 | 2:03 | Mangilao, Guam, United States | |
| Win | 59–7–6 | Mathias Hughes | Submission | Seasons Beatings | December 18, 2003 | 1 | 2:40 | Winnipeg, Canada | |
| Draw | 58–7–6 | Homer Moore | Draw | RITC 54: 'The Beast' vs 'The Rock' | October 25, 2003 | 3 | 3:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | |
| Win | 58–7–5 | Gary Dudley | TKO (punches) | Gladiator Challenge 18 | August 21, 2003 | 1 | 2:08 | Colusa, California, United States | |
| Win | 57–7–5 | Dan Christison | Decision (split) | KOTC 24: Mayhem | June 14, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States | |
| Win | 56–7–5 | Shane Moore | Submission | Hardcore Fighting Championships | May 24, 2003 | 2 | 0:46 | Revere, Massachusetts, United States | |
| Win | 55–7–5 | Cory Timmerman | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC 23: Sin City | May 16, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 54–7–5 | Ulysses Castro | Decision | MFC 6: Road To Gold | February 22, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada | |
| Draw | 54–6–5 | Pat Stano | Draw | War at the Shore | January 17, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 54–6–4 | Mike Ward | Submission (bulldog choke) | UC 4: Eyes of the Beast | December 1, 2002 | 3 | 1:42 | Chippenham, England | |
| Win | 53–6–4 | Justin Eilers | Decision (unanimous) | VFC 3: Total Chaos | November 23, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 52–6–4 | Mark Smith | Submission (keylock) | KOTC 18: Sudden Impact | November 1, 2002 | 1 | 2:56 | Reno, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 51–6–4 | Dan Christison | Decision | Aztec Challenge 1 | September 6, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Ciudad Juárez, Mexico | |
| Win | 50–6–4 | John Jensen | TKO (corner stoppage) | KOTC 14: 5150 | June 19, 2002 | 1 | 5:00 | Bernalillo, New Mexico, United States | |
| Win | 49–6–4 | Steve Sayegh | TKO (submission to punches) | Dangerzone: Caged Heat | April 13, 2002 | 1 | 5:45 | New Town, North Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 48–6–4 | Forrest Griffin | Decision (unanimous) | RSF 5: New Blood Conflict | October 27, 2001 | 3 | 4:00 | Augusta, Georgia, United States | |
| Draw | 47–6–4 | Travis Fulton | Draw | Iowa Challenge 3 | September 22, 2001 | 3 | 5:00 | Waterloo, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 47–6–3 | Lenn Walker | TKO (submission to punches) | UW: St. Paul | July 15, 2001 | 1 | 1:49 | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 46–6–3 | Travis Fulton | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 1 | June 30, 2001 | 3 | 5:00 | Lemoore, California, United States | |
| Win | 45–6–3 | Wes Sims | Decision (unanimous) | RSF 2: Attack at the Track | June 23, 2001 | 3 | 4:00 | Chester, West Virginia, United States | |
| Win | 44–6–3 | Harry Moskowitz | Submission (keylock) | Reality Combat Fighting 11 | May 10, 2001 | 1 | 2:12 | Houma, Louisiana, United States | |
| Loss | 43–6–3 | Jonathan Wiezorek | Submission (choke) | RSF 1: Redemption in the Valley | April 21, 2001 | 2 | 1:03 | Wheeling, West Virginia, United States | |
| Win | 43–5–3 | Aaron Keeney | Submission (keylock) | Dangerzone: Insane In Ft. Wayne | November 25, 2000 | 1 | 2:03 | Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 42–5–3 | Travis Fulton | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Dangerzone: Night of the Beast | October 28, 2000 | 1 | 2:01 | Lynchburg, Virginia, United States | |
| Loss | 41–5–3 | Pedro Rizzo | TKO (submission to leg kicks) | UFC 27 | September 22, 2000 | 1 | 1:33 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 41–4–3 | Andrei Kopylov | Decision (unanimous) | Rings: Millennium Combine 3 | August 23, 2000 | 2 | 5:00 | Osaka, Japan | |
| Win | 40–4–3 | John Dixson | Submission (keylock) | Continental Freefighting Alliance 2 | July 19, 2000 | 1 | 5:18 | Corinth, Mississippi, United States | |
| Win | 39–4–3 | Ron Rumpf | Submission (keylock) | Dangerzone: Battle At The Bear | July 8, 2000 | 1 | 0:54 | New Town, North Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 38–4–3 | Bob Stines | Submission (neck crank) | Dangerzone: Ft. Wayne 2 | May 20, 2000 | 1 | 0:44 | Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 37–4–3 | Marcus Silveira | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | WEF 9: World Class | May 13, 2000 | 1 | 4:46 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 36–4–3 | Bart Vale | TKO (doctor stoppage) | CFA 1: Collision at the Crossroads | March 25, 2000 | 2 | 0:36 | Corinth, Mississippi, United States | |
| Loss | 35–4–3 | Josh Barnett | Submission (armbar) | SuperBrawl 16 | February 8, 2000 | 4 | 1:21 | Honolulu, United States | |
| Win | 35–3–3 | Mark Jaquith | Decision | Dangerzone: Ft. Wayne | November 22, 1999 | 1 | 15:00 | Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 34–3–3 | Phil Ortiz | Submission (keylock) | Extreme Challenge 28 | October 9, 1999 | 1 | 1:55 | Ogden, Utah, United States | |
| Win | 33–3–3 | David Ferguson | TKO (submission to punches) | Dangerzone: Ft. Smith | September 18, 1999 | 1 | 8:36 | Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States | |
| Win | 32–3–3 | Nick Starks | Decision | Ultimate Reality Fighting | July 18, 1999 | N/A | 0:00 | Orlando, Florida, United States | |
| Win | 31–3–3 | Brad Kohler | TKO (slam) | Ultimate Wrestling | June 25, 1999 | 1 | 7:57 | Cleveland, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 30–3–3 | Slade Martin | Submission (keylock) | Dangerzone: Mahnomen | June 19, 1999 | 1 | 3:30 | Mahnomen, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 29–3–3 | Ross Quam | Submission (jaw lock) | Brawl in the Black Hills 1 | May 15, 1999 | 1 | N/A | Rapid City, South Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 28–3–3 | Kevin Rosier | Submission (bulldog choke) | Cage Combat 1 | December 8, 1998 | 1 | 1:00 | Conesville, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 27–3–3 | Joe Frailey | Submission (armbar) | SuperBrawl 9 | September 19, 1998 | 1 | 4:02 | El Paso, Texas, United States | |
| Draw | 26–3–3 | Pat Miletich | Draw | Extreme Challenge 20 | August 22, 1998 | 1 | 20:00 | Davenport, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 26–3–2 | Chris Franco | TKO (doctor stoppage) | SuperBrawl 8 | August 4, 1998 | 1 | 4:55 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 25–3–2 | Sam Adkins | Submission (fatigue) | International Fighting Championships 8: Showdown at Shooting Star | June 20, 1998 | 1 | 12:53 | Mahnomen, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 24–3–2 | Steve Miller | Submission (rear-naked choke) | World Shoot Wrestling | June 12, 1998 | 1 | 5:45 | Pasadena, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 23–3–2 | John Calvo | TKO (punches) | SuperBrawl 7 | April 25, 1998 | 1 | 3:38 | Guam, United States | |
| Win | 22–3–2 | Travis Fulton | Submission (keylock) | Gladiators 2 | April 18, 1998 | 1 | 10:39 | Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 21–3–2 | Kevin Rosier | TKO (knees) | Extreme Challenge 15 | February 27, 1998 | 1 | 0:53 | Muncie, Indiana, United States | |
| Draw | 20–3–2 | Kimo Leopoldo | Draw (time limit) | Pride 1 | October 11, 1997 | 1 | 30:00 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 20–3–1 | John Renfroe | Submission (keylock) | International Fighting Championships 6: Battle at Four Bears | September 20, 1997 | 1 | 2:28 | New Town, North Dakota, United States | |
| Win | 19–3–1 | John Dixson | TKO (submission to punches) | International Fighting Championships 5: Battle in the Bayou | September 5, 1997 | 1 | 2:33 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 18–3–1 | Lance Gibson | Submission (keylock) | SuperBrawl 5 | August 23, 1997 | 1 | 26:22 | Guam, United States | |
| Win | 17–3–1 | Paul Buentello | Submission (headlock) | Unified Shoot Wrestling Federation 6 | August 16, 1997 | 1 | 2:55 | Amarillo, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 16–3–1 | Ebenezer Fontes Braga | TKO (doctor stoppage) | International Vale Tudo Championship 1: Real Fight Tournament | July 6, 1997 | 1 | 8:17 | Brazil | |
| Draw | 15–3–1 | Jeremy Horn | Draw | Extreme Challenge 7 | June 25, 1997 | 1 | 20:00 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 15–3 | John Renfroe | TKO (punches) | Extreme Challenge 6 | May 10, 1997 | 1 | 2:29 | Battle Creek, Michigan, United States | |
| Loss | 14–3 | Mark Coleman | Submission (scarf hold) | UFC 12 | February 7, 1997 | 1 | 2:57 | Dothan, Alabama, United States | For the inauguralUFC Heavyweight Championship. Heavyweight title was unified with theUFC Superfight Championship. |
| Win | 14–2 | Steven Goss | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Extreme Challenge 1 | November 23, 1996 | 1 | 1:53 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 13–2 | Mitsuhiro Matsunaga | Submission (reverse armbar) | U-Japan | November 17, 1996 | 1 | 1:32 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 12–2 | Mario Neto | Decision | Universal Vale Tudo Fighting 4 | October 22, 1996 | 1 | 40:00 | Brazil | |
| Win | 11–2 | Dennis Reed | Submission (neck crank) | Brawl at the Ballpark 1 | September 1, 1996 | 1 | 4:10 | Davenport, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 10–2 | Doug Murphy | Submission (keylock) | Vale Tudo Japan 1996 | July 7, 1996 | 1 | 3:23 | Urayasu, Chiba, Japan | |
| Win | 9–2 | Ken Shamrock | Decision (split) | UFC 9 | May 17, 1996 | 1 | 30:00 | Detroit, Michigan, United States | Won theUFC Superfight Championship. |
| Win | 8–2 | Oleg Taktarov | Decision (unanimous) | Ultimate Ultimate 1995 | December 16, 1995 | 1 | 30:00 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Won the Ultimate Ultimate 95 Tournament. |
| Win | 7–2 | Tank Abbott | Decision (unanimous) | 1 | 18:00 | ||||
| Win | 6–2 | Paul Varelans | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | 1 | 1:40 | ||||
| Loss | 5–2 | Ken Shamrock | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 6 | July 14, 1995 | 1 | 2:14 | Casper, Wyoming, United States | For theUFC Superfight Championship. |
| Win | 5–1 | Dave Beneteau | Submission (keylock) | UFC 5 | April 7, 1995 | 1 | 3:01 | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States | Won the UFC 5 Tournament. |
| Win | 4–1 | Oleg Taktarov | TKO (cut) | 1 | 4:21 | ||||
| Win | 3–1 | Joe Charles | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 1 | 1:38 | ||||
| Loss | 2–1 | Royce Gracie | Submission (triangle choke) | UFC 4 | December 16, 1994 | 1 | 15:49 | Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Marcus Bossett | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | 1 | 0:52 | ||||
| Win | 1–0 | Anthony Macias | Submission (choke) | 1 | 1:45 |
{{cite web}}:Missing or empty|title= (help){{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
,Wrestlingdata,Internet Wrestling Database| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | 2ndUFC Superfight Champion May 17, 1996 – February 7, 1997 | Final Superfight |
| Pioneer Wing | |
|---|---|
| Modern-Era Wing | |
| Contributors | |
| Fights | |
| Community Award | |
