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

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Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and Olympic silver medalist Matt Lindland has been named USA Wrestling’s national Greco-Roman wrestling coach.

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 silver 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.

Editor's note: This item was updated on May 21 at 12:25 p.m. PT. The original item incorrectly stated that Lindland won a gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.