Mixed martial arts pioneer Dan Severn has finally decided to call it a career, announcing his retirement from the sport at age 54.
The Coldwater, Mich., native retires with an MMA record of 101-19-7 and a UFC record of 9-4. He holds wins over notable fighters Forrest Griffin, Ken Shamrock, Tank Abbott, Paul Buentello and Oleg Taktarov. He is also known for competing against the likes of Royce Gracie, Mark Coleman, Pat Miletich, Josh Barnett and Pedro Rizzo.
Severn, who won the Ultimate Ultimate 1995 tournament in December 1995 and the UFC Superfight Championship at UFC 9 in 1996, made the official announcement on his website earlier this week.
“The No. 1 goal that I set for myself in 2012 was to be finished with my mixed martial arts competition career,” Severn wrote. “I was attempting to do my own self-directed retirement tour in the last couple of years reaching out to only three people — Mark Coleman, Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie. … It seems as though these matches will not take place for whatever reasons, and my life now goes on to the next chapter. …
“It has been difficult to juggle so many different parts of my career. Father Time is telling me it is time to let go.”
Severn was an influence on many current fighters, some of whom he ended up competed against.
Dan Severn announces his retirement…101 wins! He’s a legend, inspiration, and pro wrestler all in one. I salute Dan! #MMA @ufc#ufc
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) January 3, 2013
Severn fought once in PRIDE, once in the WEC and is also a professional wrestler. He added that he plans on staying involved in MMA in some capacity.
