MMA legend and promoter Josh Barnett announced that several iconic names from the world of mixed martial arts will be honored during next week’s Bloodsport XIII event in Las Vegas, Nevada. The special recognition is part of WrestleMania 41 weekend festivities and will take place in conjunction with WrestleCon.
The five legends being honored are Tank Abbott, Don Frye, Dan Severn, Butterbean, and Mark Kerr. In addition to the tribute, all five will also participate in a meet-and-greet session with fans attending WrestleCon.
Notably, four of the five honorees have previously made the crossover into the world of professional wrestling. Tank Abbott had a stint in WCW, Butterbean famously appeared for WWE—including his knockout of Bart Gunn at WrestleMania XV, Dan Severn is a former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion and competed in WWE during the Attitude Era, and Don Frye enjoyed a run in NJPW, becoming a fan favorite in Japan.
Bloodsport XIII continues the event’s tradition of merging MMA-inspired combat with pro wrestling, and this year’s edition promises to be especially memorable with the involvement of these combat sports pioneers.
Bloodsport XIII announcement – The Combat Icons will be guests of honor at Josh Barnett's: XIII!
-Tank Abbott
-Don Frye
-The "Beast" Dan Severn
-Butterbean
-The "Smashing Machine" Mark KerrThey are also doing meet and greets at Wrestlecon Friday and Saturday as well! pic.twitter.com/LgJKT41Zqn
— 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖆𝖗𝖒𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗 (@JoshLBarnett) April 12, 2025
