Matthew James Lindland (born May 17, 1970), is an American retired mixed martial artist, Olympic wrestler, speaker, actor, coach, entrepreneur, and politician.

In mixed martial arts, Lindland competed primarily in the Middleweight division for the UFC, Strikeforce.

His mixed martial arts career had actually started three years prior, having fought at events such as IVC 6, and it is notable that he continued to compete in amateur wrestling as well as mma following his Olympic competition.

He was still a top 10 ranked wrestler in his weight class for the nation until 2004, when his wrestling career finally came to an end, already being a veteran of over a dozen MMA fights as well, including competing in a title match.

A request for a hearing by the USOC in the Supreme Court of the United States was denied, which settled Lindland's status on the team.

[7] After the Olympics Lindland returned to Oregon where he would open a used car dealership named "USA Auto Wholesale".

[8] Lindland started mixed martial arts training with Randy Couture, Dan Henderson and others at Team Quest.

He then beat Carlos Newton at IFL Houston at the 1:43 mark of Round 2 by submission due to guillotine choke.

[12][13] Lindland defeated Fabio Negao via unanimous decision on July 19, 2008 at Affliction: Banned in Anaheim, California.

[15][16] Lindland headlined Strikeforce Challengers 8 on May 21, 2010, in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, defeating Kevin Casey.

In 2021, Lindland was promoted to the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, by Renzo Gracie.

[23] Since retiring from MMA Lindland has pursued other sports such as professional rafting, achieving an impressive six time Western White Water Series Championship thus far.

He advanced to the general election and was defeated by Hood River, Oregon Democrat Suzanne VanOrman by around 52% to Lindland's 48%.

He was also featured in the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen film New York Minute, again acting and performing stunts.