Exclusive: Hall of Famer Dan Severn on serving as an athlete representative for the UFC during the 90s
Dan Severn opened up about the early years of the UFC and serving as an athletic representative during his tenure with the promotion.
During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Severn described the battle that the UFC went through politically and legally in different cities in the United States. He mentioned that he was often asked to speak on behalf of the sport because of his background and reputation.
He said:
"When the UFC was in trouble a lot of times, they only ever brought out one athlete representative - me. Why? Because well first off, I'm a college graduate, I have a degree, I mean I've never been in a fight in my entire life, I work with law enforcement, corrections, air marshall, military...Was I the norm? Oh, at the time, no I was not the norm." [14:39 - 15:09]
'The Beast' was also one to ask questions prior to his bout in order to gage what he could do within the ruleset. He recalled speaking with 'Big' John McCarthy prior to his bout against Ken Shamrock at UFC 9, where the fighters were warned about close-fisted strikes possibly resulting in a fine or arrest, and mentioned what transpired, saying:
"He goes, 'Severn, you will be warned.'... I'm seeing things that were said that they would be potentially disqualified for but all I'm starting to see is warning...There's no points deduction, no one's being disqualified, so I'm like, 'Well, I guess the UFC will probably not be invited anytime soon back to Detroit, Michigan.'" [16:36 - 17:09]
Severn defeated 'The World's Most Dangerous Man' via split decision to become the new UFC Superfight champion. The following year, he was submitted by Mark Coleman in a title unification bout to be crowned the inaugural UFC heavyweight champion.
Check out the full interview:
Dan Severn reflects on advice he gave UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje
Striking on POINT from @Justin_Gaethje tonight ⚡️
[ #UFC268 | The Main Card is LIVE on ESPN+ PPV: ufc.ac/3pxVxYV ] https://t.co/oPb1CsoNRP
Dan Severn is known for his methodical approach to his fights and how he utilized his incredible wrestling background to his advantage.
During the affromentioned interview, he recalled meeting former UFC lightweight title challenger Justin Gaethje and offering him what he believed was useful advice, saying:
"I remeber the first time ever meeting him [Justin Gaethje]. I go, 'You need to do a little lateral motion...You're marching right in. You're eating a couple punches just to give a punch but you're young and you're durable now. Wait until you hit mid-40s, early-50s. What's gonna start happening to your body? What's gonna start happening to your mind?'" [42:19 - 42:44]
'The Highlight' has an excellent NCAA collegiate wrestling background, so if he were to utilize that more than his striking, perhaps he would absorb less damage in his bouts.