[EmpireWF]

MMA veteran Matt Lindland (MMA 20-5, UFC 9-3) has not fought in the UFC since 2005 when he beat Joe Doerksen via unanimous decision. He wore a shirt with a logo of a sponsor that was unapproved by the UFC and has not returned since.

According to Kevin Iole, Lindland has spoke with UFC President Dana White recently. At last Wednesday's WEC show, "Lindland said he'd spoken to White about returning to fight in the UFC. White said he is "not sure" of whether Lindland will return. In a text message, he wrote, "He told me he wants to come back and I haven't thought about it at all."

Iole argues a Lindland return to the UFC would be tremendous news for its middleweight division. Hard to argue there, the only question is whether Dana White can put aside any personal animosity and do what's good for business.