IFL News: Lindland’s Portland Wolfpack to undergo changes

FiveOuncesOfPain.com has learned through unnamed sources that Matt Lindland has significant changes planned for his Portland Wolfpack IFL team in 2008.

First, there is a chance that Krzysztof Soszynski from the LA Anacondas could drop down from heavyweight and represent the Wolfpack next season as their light heavyweight representative.

The Anacondas are in a bit of turmoil after the IFL released their head coach, Shawn Tompkins, late last week. IFL commentator and ex-Anacondas coach Bas Rutten will be working with Anaconda fighters that are scheduled for the upcoming World Grand Prix in the interim but a long-term successor has not been named.

There has also been numerous rumblings about Lindland bringing in a new heavyweight to the team. Apparently he’s touted this heavyweight as someone who could be the top heavyweight in the IFL next season. It’s been confirmed to 5 Oz. that the fighter is Brazilian. There is a lot of speculation that the fighter in question is none other than former UFC competitor Fabiano Scherner.

In other IFL-related news, the Florida Boxing Commission has approved the use of a ring for MMA events going forward. The IFL had to receive special permission to use its ring for tonight’s finals between the Silverbacks and the Pitbulls and there was concern that only a cage would be allowed for future events. The approval by the commission sets the stage for the IFL to run more events in Florida next year (and possibly add a new Florida franchise?).

For live blogging of tonight’s finals, remember to check out Ben Fowlkes’ blog by clicking here. Tonight’s finals will also be airing this Monday night at 8 p.m. ET on MyNetworkTV affiliates around the country (yes, it will be a quick turnaround).

I also wanted to remind everyone to check out my interview with IFL lightweight fighter Shad Lierley over at MMAjunkie.com.