Shortly after UFC 54: Boiling Point, Matt Lindland was surprisingly released from his contract with the UFC even though he was considered the #1 middleweight contender. Lindland was coming off a victory over Joe Doerkson that only further cemented his status as the heir apparent to Rich Franklin’s title. However, during the weigh-ins he wore a shirt advertising an online sports book that the UFC deemed as breaching his contract because of their sponsorship terms. Was the UFC looking for a technicality that would prevent Lindland from facing their new middleweight poster boy?

Shortly after UFC 54: Boiling Point, Matt Lindland was surprisingly released from his contract with the UFC even though he was considered the #1 middleweight contender. Lindland was coming off a victory over Joe Doerkson that only further cemented his status as the heir apparent to Rich Franklin’s title. However, during the weigh-ins he wore a shirt advertising an online sports book that the UFC deemed as breaching his contract because of their sponsorship terms. Was the UFC looking for a technicality that would prevent Lindland from facing their new middleweight poster boy?

At the time, Lindland was seen as the toughest competitor in the 185lbs division and many MMA insiders felt he possessed the skills to dethrone Franklin. Therein lies the problem, the UFC had the perfect All-American in Franklin as their champion, a former high school teacher, well spoken and good looking. On the other hand there was Lindland, but with his country roots he certainly wasn’t the preferred choice to promote the sport. In addition, Lindland’s fighting style had also come under criticism due to the fact some observer’s felt his fights were boring because of the ground and pound strategy he deployed.

Nonetheless, Lindland has continued his dominance in other promotions with a very respectable 4-1 record. The lone loss in that span came when he moved up to light heavyweight and fought former PRIDE standout Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the main event at the World Fighting Alliance. Lindland lost a razor thin split decision to Jackson but proved he has the strength and toughness to compete with elite fighter’s 20lbs above his natural weight. Furthermore, Jackson was the last man to defeat UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.

Although Lindland is recognized as being one of the best wrestlers in MMA, his submission and striking skills should not be underestimated. In particular, he’s been traveling to California for the opportunity to workout with renowned kickboxing instructor John Hackleman, as well as sparring sessions with Liddell at Hackleman’s gym.

This past weekend at the International Fight League, Lindland’s striking skills were on display when he battled Jeremy Horn in a bout that featured two of the best middleweights not competing in the UFC. Lindland won via 2nd round TKO, but it wasn’t the outcome that surprised people as much as how the fight ended. A little over a year ago, Horn lasted 4 rounds with Liddell who is one of the best strikers in the sport, until he finally succumbed to the punishment. Lindland’s TKO of Horn is a testament to how far he’s come with his stand-up game, as Horn is one of the best fighters in the business at avoiding direct strikes. 

If the UFC wants to pride itself on being the top MMA organization in North America they need to ensure the best fighters in the world are competing in their shows, especially when someone like Lindland is readily available. The issue of the contract breach should not stand in the way of making this happen either. In the past, the UFC has imposed disciplinary measures on other fighters and welcomed them back, most notably current heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia. After a title defence 2003, Sylvia tested positive for steroids, yet he was only suspended for four months and reinstated. For that reason, it’s beyond comprehension how a talent like Lindland could still be fighting elsewhere. Therefore, if the UFC truly believes Rich Franklin is the best 185lbs fighter in the world they need to let him prove his case.