1. Overview
Matthew James Lindland, born on May 17, 1970, is a retired American mixed martial artist, Olympic wrestler, speaker, actor, coach, entrepreneur, and politician. Known for his resilience and multifaceted career, Lindland achieved significant success in both Greco-Roman wrestling, notably earning a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and at the 2001 World Wrestling Championships. In mixed martial arts (MMA), he competed primarily in the middleweight division for promotions such as the UFC, Strikeforce, and Affliction. Beyond his combat sports achievements, Lindland ventured into entrepreneurship, launching an apparel company called Dirty Boxer and operating an auto dealership. His political career includes a successful run for the Oregon Republican Party's nomination for the Oregon House of Representatives in 2008. He has also made contributions as a professional rafter and is actively involved in coaching wrestling and MMA, continuing to influence new generations of athletes.
2. Early Life and Education
Matthew James Lindland was born on May 17, 1970, in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. His athletic journey began at the age of 15 when he started wrestling at Gladstone High School in Gladstone, Oregon. His dedication to wrestling continued into his collegiate years, first at Clackamas Community College where he achieved national recognition by winning the junior college 158 lb (158 lb) national title in 1991. Following his success at the community college level, Lindland transferred to the University of Nebraska, where he competed in NCAA Division I wrestling. During his time at Nebraska, he secured the Big Eight title at 158 lb (158 lb) in 1993. That same year, he boasted an impressive undefeated record of 36-0 heading into the National Tournament, where he was ranked as the number one wrestler in his weight class, although he was upset in the first round and did not place.
3. Wrestling Career
Matt Lindland's wrestling career spans a significant period, showcasing his progression from collegiate success to international prominence, ultimately earning him an Olympic silver medal and a World Championship silver medal. After his collegiate career, Lindland actively competed in both freestyle and Greco-Roman events, eventually choosing to concentrate his efforts solely on the Greco-Roman style.
3.1. Amateur Career
Lindland's amateur wrestling journey began at Gladstone High School in Gladstone, Oregon, where he started wrestling at age 15. His talent quickly became evident, leading him to Clackamas Community College. In 1991, while at Clackamas, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the junior college 158 lb (158 lb) national title, competing in the NJCAA. Following his tenure at Clackamas, Lindland matriculated to the University of Nebraska, a NCAA Division I program, where he continued to excel. In 1993, he captured the Big Eight title in the 158 lb (158 lb) weight class. That season, Lindland entered the National Tournament with an unblemished record of 36-0 and was ranked as the top wrestler in his division, though he experienced an unexpected defeat in the opening round and did not place.
3.2. Olympic and World Championship Achievements
The pinnacle of Lindland's amateur wrestling career was his representation of the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Competing in the 69-76 kg weight category, he earned a silver medal, a testament to his dedication and skill on the global stage. His success continued the following year when he secured another silver medal at the 2001 World Wrestling Championships held in Patras, Greece, this time in the 187 lb (85 kg) division. Even after his debut in mixed martial arts three years prior, Lindland notably continued to compete in amateur wrestling, demonstrating his commitment to both disciplines. After his first UFC match at UFC 29, he still managed to earn a silver medal at the World Championships and a U.S. National title in 2001. He maintained a top 10 national ranking in his weight class until 2004, at which point his amateur wrestling career concluded, by then having already participated in over a dozen MMA fights, including a title match.
In addition to his Olympic and World Championship accolades, Lindland achieved considerable success at the Pan American Wrestling Championships. He secured a gold medal in 1994 in Mexico City, competing in the 163 lb (74 kg) freestyle division. In Greco-Roman wrestling, he earned a silver medal in 1997 in San Juan (168 lb (76 kg)), followed by two gold medals in the 168 lb (76 kg) category: one in 1999 in Winnipeg and another in 2000 in Cali.
3.2.1. The "Lawyer" Nickname and Legal Battle
Matt Lindland earned his enduring nickname, "The Lawyer," through a highly publicized and protracted legal battle that ultimately secured his place on the United States Olympic team for the 2000 Summer Olympics. The controversy arose during the finals of the U.S. Olympic trials, where Lindland initially lost to Keith Sieracki. Lindland contested the result, accusing Sieracki of tripping him, a move prohibited under Greco-Roman wrestling rules, which strictly forbid the use of legs for advantage in defense or offense.
Following his appeal, an arbitrator ruled in Lindland's favor and ordered a rematch. Lindland decisively won the rematch against Sieracki with a score of 9-0. However, the USOC sought to retain Sieracki on the team and appealed the arbitrator's decision in federal court. Both a federal district judge and subsequently a three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Lindland, upholding his claim to the Olympic spot. The USOC's final attempt to challenge these rulings by requesting a hearing from the Supreme Court of the United States was denied, thereby solidifying Lindland's position on the Olympic team. This extensive legal process, which saw Lindland fight vigorously for fairness and his rightful place, became widely known and led to him being dubbed "The Lawyer."
4. Mixed Martial Arts Career
Matt Lindland transitioned from a decorated amateur wrestling career to a professional mixed martial arts career, competing across various weight classes and major promotions, facing numerous prominent opponents throughout his journey.
4.1. Early Career and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Matt Lindland began his professional mixed martial arts career with his debut on February 14, 1997. Later that year, on September 20, 1997, he participated in the IFC 6 Middleweight Tournament. He emerged victorious in the tournament, defeating Travis Fulton in the final.
Lindland made his debut in the UFC on December 16, 2000, at UFC 29, where he secured a TKO victory over Yoji Anjo with mount punches. He built a strong record of four consecutive wins in the UFC's middleweight division before challenging Murilo Bustamante for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 37 on May 10, 2002. Lindland suffered his first professional MMA loss in this championship bout, submitting to a guillotine choke.
On June 6, 2003, at UFC 43, Lindland faced Falaniko Vitale and suffered a unique defeat. In an attempt to execute a slam, Lindland inadvertently knocked himself unconscious by hitting the back of his head on the mat, resulting in a TKO loss. Despite his dismissal from the UFC after this period, Lindland continued to be involved in UFC events, often cornering other fighters, including for bouts like B.J. Penn's fight against Georges St-Pierre.
4.2. International Fight League (IFL), BodogFight, and Other Promotions
Following his departure from the UFC, Matt Lindland continued his professional MMA career, competing in various promotions such as the IFL and BodogFight, where he amassed a record of five wins and two losses. Notably, both of these losses occurred outside of his typical middleweight class, against formidable opponents: future UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson at WFA: King of the Streets on July 22, 2006, where he lost by split decision in a light heavyweight bout; and former Pride Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko at BodogFIGHT: Clash of the Nations on April 14, 2007, where he was submitted by an armbar in a heavyweight bout.
After his loss to Jackson, Lindland joined the IFL, marking his debut as an IFL team coach for the Portland Wolfpack. In his IFL fights, he defeated Jeremy Horn via TKO with punches early in the second round at IFL: Portland on September 9, 2006. He then went on to beat Carlos Newton at IFL: Houston on February 2, 2007, securing a submission victory with a guillotine choke at 1:43 of the second round.
4.3. Affliction Entertainment
Matt Lindland participated in Affliction Entertainment events, facing notable opponents in the promotion's brief but impactful history. On July 19, 2008, at Affliction: Banned in Anaheim, California, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Fabio Nascimento. However, at Affliction: Day of Reckoning on January 24, 2009, Lindland suffered a first-round knockout loss to Vitor Belfort, being defeated by punches.
4.4. Strikeforce
On April 13, 2009, Matt Lindland signed a three-fight deal with Strikeforce. His debut for the promotion occurred on December 19, 2009, at Strikeforce: Evolution, where he faced Ronaldo Souza and lost via first-round submission due to an arm-triangle choke. Lindland then headlined Strikeforce Challengers 8 on May 21, 2010, in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. In that bout, he defeated Kevin Casey via TKO from punches in the third round. His final Strikeforce appearance was on December 4, 2010, at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu II, where he fought Robbie Lawler. Lindland was knocked out by punches just fifty seconds into the first round.
4.5. Later Career and Retirement
After his tenure in Strikeforce, Matt Lindland competed in one final professional MMA bout. On May 21, 2011, at KSW 16, he was choked unconscious by Mamed Khalidov via a guillotine choke, marking his retirement from professional mixed martial arts competition.
Beyond active competition, Lindland has continued his involvement in combat sports. In 2021, he was promoted to the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by renowned instructor Renzo Gracie. His career and fighting philosophy are also featured in a documentary titled "Fighting Politics," which explores his journey in MMA. Additionally, Lindland has served as a "Mixed Martial Arts Management" instructor for Sports Management Worldwide, an online sports career training school based in Portland, Oregon.
5. Coaching and Mentoring
Matt Lindland has made substantial contributions as a coach and mentor in both wrestling and mixed martial arts throughout his career. He founded the North West kids wrestling program, demonstrating his commitment to developing young talent. He also coached at two prominent U.S. wrestling clubs, Cobra Wrestling and Peninsula. Around the same time, he began working with future MMA fighter Chael Sonnen at West Linn High School.
From 1996 to 2000, Lindland served as an assistant wrestling coach at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska. During this period, he successfully coached several NCAA champions and multiple All-Americans, significantly impacting the collegiate wrestling scene. His involvement with USA Wrestling has been continuous, working with the national governing body to this day.
In 2000, Lindland established his own gym, Team Quest, in Portland, Oregon, where he began coaching both wrestling and MMA. He remains actively involved at Team Quest, coaching wrestling, kickboxing, MMA, and training professional and amateur fight teams. His expertise was recognized nationally when he was selected as the World team coach for the U.S. Greco-Roman wrestling team in 2013. Furthermore, Lindland serves as a volunteer assistant coach at Clackamas Community College, his junior college alma mater. Under the guidance of Coach Josh Rhoden and Lindland, the wrestling program at Clackamas has experienced a significant turnaround, achieving high placements in recent NJCAA National Tournaments.
6. Political Career
Matt Lindland made his entry into politics by filing as a Republican candidate for the Oregon House of Representatives, District 52 seat, on March 11, 2008. This seat was previously held by Republican Patti Smith. Lindland secured the Republican nomination by defeating fellow Republican Phyllis Thiemann in the primary election on May 20, 2008, with 58 percent of the vote to Thiemann's 42 percent. However, in the general election, he was defeated by Hood River, Oregon Democrat Suzanne VanOrman, who garnered approximately 52% of the votes compared to Lindland's 48%.
7. Other Ventures and Activities
Beyond his distinguished career in combat sports and coaching, Matt Lindland has diversified his activities into various entrepreneurial and recreational pursuits. Following his Olympic achievements, he established and operated a used car dealership named "USA Auto Wholesale" in Oregon. He also ventured into the apparel industry, founding his own clothing company, Dirty Boxer. Lindland is known for his adventurous spirit, having pursued a career as a professional rafter. In this field, he has achieved significant success, earning an impressive six-time Western White Water Series Championship. Additionally, Lindland frequently engages in public speaking engagements and conducts seminars worldwide, sharing his experiences and insights from his diverse professional background.
8. Personal Life
Matt Lindland is married to Angie Lindland, and together they have two children: a son named Big Jim, and a daughter.
9. Film and Television Appearances
Matt Lindland has made several appearances in film and television productions, showcasing his presence beyond the sports arena. He is featured in the award-winning MMA documentary Fight Life, released in 2013, which was directed by James Z. Feng and produced by RiLL Films. On July 22, 2011, Lindland, alongside Ed Herman, guest-starred on the television series Leverage, where he played the role of an MMA fighter. His acting and stunt work credits also include appearances in the HBO hit television show Oz, and the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen film New York Minute. In addition, he was part of the cast for the 2011 film "Once I Was a Champion."
10. Legacy and Recognition
Matt Lindland's legacy is marked by his significant impact across the disciplines of wrestling and mixed martial arts, where he is recognized for his competitive achievements and enduring contributions.
10.1. Hall of Fame Inductions
Matt Lindland has been honored with multiple inductions into prestigious wrestling halls of fame, cementing his place among the sport's greats. In October 2013, he was inducted into the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions, located within the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. Further testament to his lasting legacy, Lindland was also honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2025.
10.2. Other Championships and Awards
Throughout his career, Matt Lindland accumulated a number of competitive titles and awards across various combat sports:
- International Fighting Championship
- IFC 6 Tournament winner (1997)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC.com's #8 Submission of the Year (2005, for his submission victory over Travis Lutter)
- SHERDOG
- Fight of the Year (2003)
11. Mixed Martial Arts Record
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 22-9 | Mamed Khalidov | Technical Submission (guillotine choke) | KSW 16: Khalidov vs. Lindland | May 21, 2011 | 1 | 1:35 | Gdańsk, Poland | |
| Loss | 22-8 | Robbie Lawler | KO (punches) | Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu II | December 4, 2010 | 1 | 0:50 | St Louis, Missouri, United States | |
| Win | 22-7 | Kevin Casey | TKO (punches) | Strikeforce Challengers: Lindland vs. Casey | May 21, 2010 | 3 | 3:41 | Portland, Oregon, United States | |
| Loss | 21-7 | Ronaldo Souza | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Strikeforce: Evolution | December 19, 2009 | 1 | 4:18 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Loss | 21-6 | Vitor Belfort | KO (punches) | Affliction: Day of Reckoning | January 24, 2009 | 1 | 0:37 | Anaheim, California, United States | |
| Win | 21-5 | Fabio Nascimento | Decision (unanimous) | Affliction: Banned | July 19, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | |
| Loss | 20-5 | Fedor Emelianenko | Submission (armbar) | BodogFIGHT: Clash of the Nations | April 14, 2007 | 1 | 2:58 | St. Petersburg, Russia | Heavyweight bout. |
| Win | 20-4 | Carlos Newton | Submission (guillotine choke) | IFL: Houston | February 2, 2007 | 2 | 1:43 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 19-4 | Jeremy Horn | TKO (punches) | IFL: Portland | September 9, 2006 | 2 | 0:21 | Portland, Oregon, United States | |
| Loss | 18-4 | Quinton Jackson | Decision (split) | WFA: King of the Streets | July 22, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Los Angeles, California, United States | Light Heavyweight bout. |
| Win | 18-3 | Mike Van Arsdale | Submission (guillotine choke) | Raze MMA: Fight Night | April 29, 2006 | 1 | 3:38 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Win | 17-3 | Fabio Leopoldo | Submission (rear-naked choke) | GFC: Gracie vs. Hammer House | March 3, 2006 | 3 | 3:25 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 16-3 | Antonio Schembri | TKO (punches) | Cage Rage 14 | December 3, 2005 | 3 | 3:33 | London, England, UK | |
| Win | 15-3 | Joe Doerksen | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 54: Boiling Point | August 20, 2005 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 14-3 | Travis Lutter | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 52: Couture vs Liddell | April 16, 2005 | 2 | 3:32 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 13-3 | Landon Showalter | Submission (armbar) | Sportfight 8: Justice | January 8, 2005 | 1 | 2:43 | Gresham, Oregon, United States | |
| Win | 12-3 | Mark Weir | TKO (doctor stoppage) | Cage Rage 9 | November 27, 2004 | 1 | 5:00 | London, England, United Kingdom | |
| Loss | 11-3 | David Terrell | KO (punches) | UFC 49 | August 21, 2004 | 1 | 0:24 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 11-2 | Tony Fryklund | Decision (unanimous) | ROTR 5: Rumble on the Rock 5 | May 7, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 10-2 | Falaniko Vitale | TKO (submission to strikes) | UFC 45 | November 21, 2003 | 3 | 4:23 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Loss | 9-2 | Falaniko Vitale | KO (slam) | UFC 43 | June 6, 2003 | 1 | 1:56 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 9-1 | Phil Baroni | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 41 | February 28, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 8-1 | Ivan Salaverry | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 39 | September 27, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Loss | 7-1 | Murilo Bustamante | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 37 | May 10, 2002 | 3 | 1:33 | Bossier City, Louisiana, United States | For the UFC Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 7-0 | Pat Miletich | TKO (punches) | UFC 36 | March 22, 2002 | 1 | 3:09 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 6-0 | Phil Baroni | Decision (majority) | UFC 34 | November 21, 2001 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 5-0 | Ricardo Almeida | DQ (illegal up-kicks) | UFC 31 | May 4, 2001 | 3 | 4:21 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 4-0 | Yoji Anjo | TKO (punches) | UFC 29 | December 16, 2000 | 1 | 2:58 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 3-0 | Travis Fulton | Submission (choke) | IFC 6: Battle at the Four Bears | September 20, 1997 | 1 | 22:13 | New Town, North Dakota, United States | Won IFC 6 Tournament |
| Win | 2-0 | Mark Waters | TKO (submission to punches) | IFC 6: Battle at the Four Bears | September 20, 1997 | 1 | 2:20 | New Town, North Dakota, United States | IFC 6 Tournament Semifinals |
| Win | 1-0 | Karo Davtyan | TKO (punches) | World Fighting Federation | February 14, 1997 | 1 | 8:34 | Birmingham, Alabama, United States |
12. Wrestling and Grappling Achievements
Matt Lindland's success in combat sports extended beyond his professional MMA career to include a formidable record in various wrestling disciplines and submission grappling.
Submission grappling
- ADCC World Submission Wrestling Championships
- Defeated: Yushin Okami
- Lost to: Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza, Fabricio Werdum (armbar)
Folkstyle wrestling
- NJCAA Collegiate Championships
- 1991: 1st place (158 lb (158 lb))
- NCAA Division I Tournament
- 1993: #1 seed (163 lb (163 lb)); did not place
Freestyle wrestling
- USA University Freestyle Championships
- 1992: 1st place (163 lb (163 lb))
- 1994: 1st place (163 lb (163 lb))
- Pan American Wrestling Championships
- 1994 Mexico City: Gold medal (163 lb (74 kg))
Greco-Roman wrestling
- USA Senior Greco-Roman Championships
- 1995: 1st place (163 lb (163 lb))
- 1998: 1st place (167.5 lb (167.5 lb))
- 1999: 1st place (167.5 lb (167.5 lb))
- 2000: 1st place (167.5 lb (167.5 lb))
- 2001: 1st place (187.2 lb (187.2 lb))
- FILA World Championships
- 1998: 6th place (167 lb (167 lb))
- 2001 Patras: Silver medal (187 lb (85 kg))
- US Olympic Trials
- 2000: Silver medal (167.5 lb (167.5 lb))
- Pan American Wrestling Championships
- 1997 San Juan: Silver medal (168 lb (76 kg))
- 1999 Winnipeg: Gold medal (168 lb (76 kg))
- 2000 Cali: Gold medal (168 lb (76 kg))