This paper proposes a model predictive controller (MPC) design based on the optimal tip-speed ratio method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of a direct-driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (D-PMSG)-based wind energy conversion system (WECS). To eliminate system nonlinearity and time-varying characteristics, a control variable was added at the wind turbine and the system model was feedback-linearized to create a linear time-invariant system, reducing the computational burden of the MPC and improving system performance. MATLAB/Simulink simulations were performed and the results show that the linearized system has high fidelity. Compared to traditional MPC that use an operating point to linearize the system, it has better adaptability to turbulent wind speeds, improving the stability and rapidity of the system.