Lindland Signs 3 Fight Deal....

[Mulla]

- MATT LINDLAND SIGNS 3 FIGHTS WITH NEW PROMOTION - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more

Highly regarded as one of the top middleweight fighters in the world, but not having fought anywhere in nearly a year, Matt Lindland on Friday confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that he has just signed a contract with a new fight promotion.

He dispelled rumors that he had signed with the new Dream promotion in Japan, saying, “I've never talked to them. I actually did sign a contract (Friday) with another company, though.”

Dream is a partnership between Fight Entertainment Group (the parent company of K-1) and former staff members of Dreamstage Entertainment (the former parent company of Pride Fighting Championships).

Because of the sensitive nature of the promotion he has signed with, Lindland stopped short of saying who the new company is.

"I'm kind of holding off. I sent an email saying, 'when can we make announcements?' I can tell you I signed a very nice contract for three fights within the next twelve months,” he informed.

"June is supposed to be the first event and then from June (2008) until June (2009) I'll have at least three fights. I know it's been from April of last year (since I last fought). It's almost like I went into retirement or something."

Although he has experimented with other weight divisions in the past – losing a decision to current UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson and being submitted by former Pride heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko in their respective weight classes – Lindland said that his three fights for the new American-based promotion would be at middleweight.

Despite lots of talk about a possible return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Lindland is happy with his new contract, especially monetarily.

"Everybody makes a big deal about not fighting in the UFC. I can tell you, I signed a contract and my first fight I'm going to make more than I made in like six fights in the UFC,” he stated. "The most I ever made in the UFC with the win bonus and the show money was $36,000. "

Though Lindland would not divulge his new employer’s identity, multiple MMAWeekly sources have confirmed that Affliction – a popular clothing company – is a primary partner in the deal. Sources also indicated that Affliction’s partner in the new promotion is Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

It is not yet known under what name the new promotion will operate, but indications are that its first event will take place in June in Las Vegas.

Interesting news, its been ages since we've seen him fight and even longer since he's fought at MW.

I wonder who this new promotion could be, it all sounds very secretive!

[T-Bone]

Yes...very secretive.

"Everybody makes a big deal about not fighting in the UFC. I can tell you, I signed a contract and my first fight I'm going to make more than I made in like six fights in the UFC,” he stated. "The most I ever made in the UFC with the win bonus and the show money was $36,000. "

And he probably has some flexibility. Good for Lindland.

[Gygax]

Not to hijack the thread but it is relevant.

Now that the Affliction promotion is likely coming to fruition, maybe Zuffa was not completely wrong in banning their apparel at their events. Does EliteXC allow their fighters to walk into the ring with UFC shirts on?

Lindland will be a centerpiece of this new Affliction promotion and the ties with Golden Boy Promotions could be key. Their experience will give access to media contacts, venue selection and negotiations, and possibly most importantly, a TV deal with HBO. GBP is very tight with HBO Sports. If they play their cards right, this promotion has a very real chance for success based on the affiliation with Golden Boy.

What cracks me up about Lindland's salary comment is the timing. When he made that money from the UFC, they were bleeding red and paid no one. He was cut from the promotion shortly after the TUF explosion started, which as we all know poured money into Zuffa's hands. Seven of the 18 guys on the UFC 81 card made that and that does not include the backstage bonuses that may have jumped a few more over that.

[theEmpiric]

Hmmmm, looks like cross promotion is gonna start happening alot more?

I wanna know who else is signed to this "new promotion".

[JRPROSUB]

war Lindland