Former MMA greats Mark Coleman, Dan Severn come together for autism awareness in Massillon
MASSILLON — Two legendary rivals who fought for the UFC gold in the early days of the promotion will soon come together nearly 25 years later as allies for a good cause.
Former Ohio State wrestler and US Olympian Mark "The Hammer" Coleman and former UFC Champion Dan "The Beast" Severn will take part in a meet-and-greet this August to benefit the Autism Society of Greater Akron's Step into Autism.
Coleman and Severn fought for the UFC heavyweight title back at UFC 12 in 1997. Coleman won that fight by submission in the first round. Both went on to have legendary careers filled with championship gold and main event fights.
Though they were at times rivals, there will be no losers at this event on Aug. 12 at the Nook in Massillon. The winners will be all the kids who benefit from the work done by the Autism Society of Greater Akron and its Step into Autism events.
"The charity helps provide kids with autism obtain various services in the Stark, Summit Medina, Portage and Wayne County areas," event organizer Joe Hershberger said. "They have various programs for kids including swimming classes and other activities, and general needs a young person with autism might happen to have. This was a unique opportunity to bring together two former MMA champions to raise awareness about autism."
Cost is $50 with all proceeds going to the charity. The event will include lunch with both fighters, a question-and-answer session, an autographed flyer and the chance to take a picture with both fighters with your personal camera.
While Coleman and Severn were two of the most intimidating forces in the early days of the UFC, neither had an issue making a joint appearance together, according to Hershberger.
"They were both really supportive and were excited to be a part of this," Hershberger said. "Mark had come down to the pro wrestling event we held in Wooster last year for the charity and he expressed interest in taking part in events for the charity in the future. Dan is from Michigan and we met him at an event up in Mentor. We pitched him taking part in this event and he thought it was a great idea. Both of them are really great guys as well as great fighters."
Raising money for the Step Into Autism charity is of personal importance to Hershberger's son, Dylan. Dylan is on the autism spectrum and is extremely passionate about raising awareness and funds to help others.
"Dylan has always taken part in the annual walk the charity holds," Hershberger said. "His team name for those event has always been Dylan's Champions. He wanted to do more to bring awareness to autism so we started holding a luncheon after the walk with all the proceeds going to the charity."
Holding an event after the walk has become a tradition for the Hershberger family.
"In the past, the events were centered around pro wrestling but we wanted to try something different this year," Hershberger said. "We had a chance to work with two great former MMA champions and we took it. It's all about raising awareness to autism for Dylan. His needs are all met so its not about doing something that benefits him. It's about getting extra help to others."
A sentiment two of the fiercest competitors to ever step into a cage can get behind.
Reach Cliff at cliff.hickman@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @chickmanREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: MMA champions Dan Severn, Mark Coleman to appear for Step into Autism
