Distinguished Member: Matt Lindland

Matt Lindland is a world-class competitor, coach, and pioneer whose impact on both Olympic wrestling and mixed martial arts has spanned decades. A 2000 Olympic silver medalist and 2001 World silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, Lindland also served as the head coach of the U.S. Greco-Roman national team from 2014 to 2022, guiding the next generation of athletes on the global stage.

He represented the United States at four World Championships between 1997 and 2001, placing

sixth in 1998 and earning silver in 2001. Lindland also captured Pan American Games gold medals in freestyle (1994) and Greco-Roman (1999), along with Pan Am Championship silver medals in 1997 and 2000. His outstanding performances earned him USA Wrestling Athlete of the Year honors in 1999.

Lindland began his collegiate career at Clackamas Community College, where he was a national champion, before transferring to the University of Nebraska. There, he won a Big Eight Conference title and helped lead the Cornhuskers to their best-ever finish at the NCAA Championships, third place in 1993. His 36-1 record and .973 winning percentage tied him for the best single-season mark in school history.

After his Olympic journey, Lindland pursued a professional MMA career, compiling a 22-9 record and competing in major promotions including UFC, Strikeforce, Bodog, and the IFL. He co-founded the iconic Team Quest Fight Club and served as head coach of the Portland Wolf Pack, while also building the Pacific Northwest’s premier MMA promotion, SportFight.

A leader in youth and collegiate coaching, Lindland helped Clackamas to a NJCAA national title and mentored future Olympians and world medalists at both Nebraska and wrestling clubs across Oregon. His contributions extend to founding the North West kids wrestling program and top clubs in America, including Cobra and Peninsula.

For his Olympic excellence, coaching leadership, and groundbreaking influence in both wrestling and MMA, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame proudly welcomes Matt Lindland as a Distinguished Member.