Dana White: "Henderson is 10 times the fighter Lindland is..."

[rivethead]

Don't know if this has been posted:

Update On Matt Lindland's Status With The UFC
By Jason Perkins | January 03, 2008
Update On Matt Lindland's Status With The UFC - MMAFightLine.com

Matt Lindland is one of the best middleweight fighters in the world. The UFC is starving for quality middleweight fighters to add to its least talented division. Seems like a perfect fit right? So why isn't Lindland, who had a falling out with UFC president Dana White late in 2005, back with the popular promotion? According a quick interview he gave to Fortunal's Log he just has to wait in line.
“I have expressed interest in fighting for the UFC ever since I was released in August of o5?, says Lindland. It seems that Dana White is on the move, some guys just have to wait in the line.

Dana White, for his part, seems to enjoy playing hardball with Lindland.

"I've had some issues with Lindland in the past. I have talked to him, and they want to continue to talk," he said. "I am still on the fence with Lindland. I want someone that wants to be a team player. I don't need a promotion full of Titos (Ortiz)."

White finished the conversation with a nice verbal jab by comparing Lindland to his friend and training partner Dan Henderson.

"I think Henderson is 10 times the fighter that Matt Lindland is," White said, "He is much more well-rounded, and if Silva does to Henderson what he's been doing to everyone else? Wow, he will be the man."

[KENO5366]

I don't know about 10x better, but I would give the nod to Hendo. I think Lindland could beat Silva. He has a style I think could cause problems for Anderson.

[Warchief]

I remember when Dana fired Lindland, for waring an advertising t-shirt named "Weightin" but i agree Hendo is better than Lindland...but not 10 times better.

[rivethead]

Originally Posted by KENO5366

I don't know about 10x better, but I would give the nod to Hendo. I think Lindland could beat Silva. He has a style I think could cause problems for Anderson.

I think in the best of all possible worlds, it's a good fight--Lindland's style matches well, but I'd still give an edge to Anderson.

But I also don't see it happening in the best of all possible worlds. Lindland hasn't fought in a cage in well over a year, he's got ring rust, and doubt the UFC is going to throw him a tune up fight. If--a huge "if"--it happened, you can be sure Dana is going to set the table for Silva to dominate. Big pressure fight for Matt.

Stranger things have happened though. I could see Lindland taking him down at will...and I don't use "at will" lightly, but I don't see him subbing or GnPing out from there. I could see Anderson KOing him standing or subbing Matt out from his back.

rh

[Clint]

No Dana Fired Lindland for wearing a shirt to the weight ins that had an unapproved sponsor (The casino turned the sponsor down not the UFC). This was after Lindland and been specifically told not to wear the shirt of that sponsor. That it was banned.

Lindland says he is interested in coming back but at the same time he talks about how he doesn't want to be tied down to one company and that teh UFC won't agree to that. So I don't see them coming to any sorts of agreement.

[Warchief]

Originally Posted by KENO5366

I think Lindland could beat Silva. He has a style I think could cause problems for Anderson.

Anderson would demolish Lindland and put him to sleep.

[Bran]

that's what i've been saying! thanks dana. can't stand lindland

[bZa_305]

I'll start caring about Matt Lindland when he starts fighting again.

[da@LARGE]

If Anderson does defeat Hendo then the demand for Lindland is only going to increase - as he's one of the few possible match-ups available right now.

If Dana is forced to promote a fight between Lindland and Anderson, then how's he going do so after Anderson just defeated someone " 10 times better than Lindland"?

[rivethead]

Originally Posted by da@LARGE

If Anderson does defeat Hendo then the demand for Lindland is only going to increase - as he's one of the few possible match-ups available right now.

If Dana is forced to promote a fight between Lindland and Anderson, then how's he going do so after Anderson just defeated someone " 10 better than Lindland"?

I honestly don't think Dana has any interest or intention of re-signing Matt, and I think the exodus from LHW effectively torpedo's any leverage Lindland might have had to get into the mix.

I think there are a few matchups on the horizon at MW beyond Hendo, as well. I think Bisping brings little more than hype, but I've seen worse mis-matches, and a lot of people will watch just to see Bisping get killed. I think if Wandi can make the drop without losing musclemass, that would be very intriguing. That's essentially 3 fights for 2008 there, not counting any potential for title loss/rematches.

I don't think Matt won't be coming back. I can't imagine Dana trying to hype him and put advertising money behind him after a statement like he just made.

rh