A few hundred fans gathered in Worcester, MA, Friday night to see if UFC Hall-of-Famer and MMA icon Dan Severn had enough in the tank to win his 100th career fight.
That question was answered quickly and violently as a right hook by Lee Beane dropped Severn at 3:28 of the first round, knocking out the former UFC champion in a sad scene.
The 52-year-old looked stiff and lethargic early on, lightly throwing leg kicks and very few punches. Beane (8-2) attacked early with kicks to the lead leg that were affecting Severn (99-18-7). After a straight right backed Severn up, Beane threw a power hook that hit flush on the cheekbone, dropping Severn. After a few unnecessary punches, the fight was called.
Severn was down on the canvas for several minutes afterward and was attended to by medics. He eventually got up and after Beane was announced the winner, Severn thanked the sparse crowd for coming out and supporting him and the sport for all these years.
After a 10-fight win streak that lasted through mid-April, Severn now has lost two straight by T/KO. This was already his fifth fight of 2011 and his 10th fight since the start of 2010.
While 100 wins is a nice number, it's a large price to pay for getting severely injured. Severn will likely fight again and here's hoping the end result is a lot less painful.
The event was the first for Warrior Nation XFA, a Massachusetts-based promotion.
Quick Results
Warrior Nation XFA: The Beast Comes East
May 20th - Worcester, MA
Pro
Lee Beane def. Dan Severn by 1st round KO at 3:28
Abner Lloveras def. Ralph Johnson by 1st round submission (armbar) at 2:49
Fran Collins def. Carlos Rivera by 1st round submission (triangle) at 3:08
Amateur
Matt Doherty def. Josh Bourque by u/d
Chris Tier def. Mike O'Connell by 3rd round submission (rnc) at 2:43
Dan Quinn def. Tim Bartoszek by 1st round submission (triangle) at :52
Matt Goorahoo def. Mike Materkowski by u/d
Jared Sarno def. Anthony Carmenatty by 3rd round submission (roc) at 2:18
Jack Greene def. John Youngs by 3rd round TKO at 1:56
Camilo Arredondo def. Jarred Heon by u/d
Dan Cormier def. Colton Blanchette by u/d
Josh Nason is a New England-based MMA journalist that contributes to BloodyElbow.com, FIGHT! Magazine, WrestlingObserver.com and hosts the weekly MMA Show on WGAMTheGame.com. Follow him on Twitter: @JoshNason