Dan Severn, one of mixed martial arts' true pioneers, has officially retired.
"The Beast" made the announcement via his Web site on Tuesday.
"Father time is telling me it's time to go," he wrote. "I have learned over time that the only constant factor is change. It will happen, and there is nothing we can do to stop it, so smile, hold on, and embrace it for all that it has to offer and hopefully you too will have the ride of your life."
Severn, 54, retires with a 101-19-7 pro MMA record. His last fight was a unanimous decision win over Alex Rozman in April.
A former two-time All-American wrestler at Arizona State University, Severn began his MMA career at UFC 4 on Dec. 16, 1994. Severn won two fights that night only to lose via submission in the finals of the tournament to Royce Gracie. The then 36-year-old Severn would rebound to win UFC 5 in 1995.
Other notable wins for Severn were the Ultimate Ultimate 95 tournament in Dec. 1995 and the UFC superfight championship. In addition to the UFC, Severn fought for PRIDE, WEC, King of the Cage, RINGS, Cage Rage, among many others. In fact, after fighting Kimo Leopoldo to a draw at PRIDE 1, he headlined and won the main event of WEC 1 against Travis Fulton in 2001. He was later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2005.
Severn wrote that he tried to fight fellow legends Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock and Mark Coleman in retirement fights, but for one reason or another, those fights didn't materialize
An accomplished pro wrestler, Severn added that he will also retire as a wrestler in 2013. The native of Coldwater, Michigan, wrote that he plans on remaining in the MMA world through training and seminars and he hopes to write a book about his illustrious career in the future.
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There are many paths to freedom....not all are peaceful.
I was fortunate enough to meet him and chat with him for a little bit before his fight in Moncton. Really classy guy. He loves the business and he loves his fans. A real pioneer in the sport.
Shame though. When I spoke to him he said he had plans to retire in 2013 but first he wanted rematches with Coleman, Shamrock, and Gracie. Coleman and Shamrock had verbally agreed. I would have loved to see any of those again.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnchorPunch
So if I don't sin, when I die, I go to Canada? Right?
Always loved Dan Severn, glad he decided he doesn't need any more head trauma. Lol. Would have loved to of seen those rematches, but when it's time... It's time... And it's been time.
I just saw him about 3 weeks ago, when I went to see my friend fight at a Bad Boy Boxing and MMA event.
He was the special guest surprise.
They announced his name and all that he's done and barely anybody clapped or knew who he was. I was slightly saddened by that.
But he was looking a lil' round in the midsection, more than usual.
He was certainly a beast.
But I'm glad he's finally hanging it up.
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Favorite "Boring" Fighter: GSP.
Favorite "Head Up His Own Ass" Fighter: Paul Daley.
Favorite "Can't String Together Enough Wins" Fighter: Alessio Sakara.
Favorite "Good luck coming back to the UFC" Fighter: Renato Sobral.
"He doesn't write his own material. Some homo in Queens living in his mother's basement in his underwear is writing Chael's material for him." - DON FRYE.
UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn retires 
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