USA Wrestling Hires UFC Veteran Matt Lindland as National Greco-Roman Coach

Matt Lindland has a new position in the wrestling field. | Jumana Totongi/Sherdog.com

In his new role, Lindland will guide the sport’s top American athletes in addition to overseeing the program’s development at all levels. Lindland replaces Steve Fraser, who headed the program for 18 years prior to departing for another position.

A standout wrestler at the University of Nebraska, Lindland won gold at the 2000 Summer Olympics, three years after he began his MMA career in 1997.

“For me, it is an honor to serve in this capacity. If there was any position I ever wanted, it would be to lead USA Wrestling in the Olympic Games and world championships, and help our team win medals,” said Lindland. “My goal is to win Olympic medals and prepare our athletes to execute at the most important tournaments.”

The 44-year-old joined the UFC just months after winning his medal in Sydney, rattling off four consecutive victories prior to coming up short against Murilo Bustamante in a UFC 37 middleweight title bid. The Oregonian later joined the International Fight League, Affliction and Strikeforce, ending his career with the latter organization in 2010. Lindland last fought three years ago, when he was choked out by Mamed Khalidov at KSW 16.