Former top middleweight contender Matt Lindland recently approached UFC President Dana White about a possible return to the Octagon, according to Yahoo!Sports.com.
White seemed underwhelmed with the prospect:
"Not sure [if Lindland will return]. He told me he wants to come back and I haven't thought about it at all."
"The Law" last competed inside the Octagon at UFC 54: "Boiling Point" in 2005, outpointing Joe Doerksen on all three judges scorecards en route to a unanimous decision. He was cut loose quickly thereafter and has maintained a rocky relationship with the organization ever since.
For more on the possible reasons behind the release of the 2000 Olympic wrestling silver medal winner click here.
Since his departure the Team Quest founder (along with Randy Couture and Dan Henderson) has gone on to coach the Oregon Wolfpack in the International Fight League (IFL). Lindland has also mixed it up with Fedor Emelianenko (loss), Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (loss) Jermey Horn (win), Carlos Newton (win) and more inside the ring/cage under other promotions.
Lindland has been adamant in the past that he does not need the UFC. Perhaps, however, he's having a change of heart now that teammates Henderson, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and others are now on the Zuffa payroll.
It is bizarre timing -- if Henderson defeats current 185-pound division champion, Anderson Silva, at UFC 82 on March 1, 2008, it would more than likely create a situation in which he would not challenge for the belt without pause.
That's putting the cart way before the horse. For now the weight class could use someone with the experience and skill of Lindland.
Stay tuned.
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