UFC Considering Cutting Lindland
Josh Gross Aug 23, 2005
Middleweight mixed martial artist Matt Lindland (Pictures) could be cut from his UFC
contract, a source speaking on the condition of anonymity told
Sherdog.com Monday night.
Lindland's relationship with Sportsbook.com, an online-gaming Web site that takes bets on mixed martial arts contests, violated the terms of his contract and would be the reason for the fighter's termination, the source said. Those type of sponsor-fighter relationships are prohibited by UFC contracts.
Since joining UFC ranks in December 2000, Lindland, who had one fight remaining on his deal, was 10-3 in UFC competition. The former Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling was poised, with his unanimous decision victory over Joe Doerksen (Pictures) on Saturday's UFC 54 card, to fight UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin (Pictures) for the belt in November.
Lindland's relationship with Sportsbook.com, an online-gaming Web site that takes bets on mixed martial arts contests, violated the terms of his contract and would be the reason for the fighter's termination, the source said. Those type of sponsor-fighter relationships are prohibited by UFC contracts.
Since joining UFC ranks in December 2000, Lindland, who had one fight remaining on his deal, was 10-3 in UFC competition. The former Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling was poised, with his unanimous decision victory over Joe Doerksen (Pictures) on Saturday's UFC 54 card, to fight UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin (Pictures) for the belt in November.
