Eddie Alvarez Granted Bellator Release


Perrenial top lightweight Eddie Alvarez, has built his legacy entirely outside of the Zuffa banner, but it would seem the interest that UFC President Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta have taken in the former Bellator champion may just see him head to the UFC. Alvarez, who completed his Bellator contract with knockout victory over Patricky “Pitbull” Freire last month, has been granted his release from the promotion by Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney.

While the future of the Blackzilian fighter remains unclear, he is quick to point out that Bellator is still very much an option for him. “I’m in between with my management and promotions,” said the former champion. “Bjorn Rebney was gracious enough to give us our release papers early, earlier than what we were contractually to get, he gave it to us Friday So we’re going to try to move it along as fast as possible for myself and for Bellator,” he continued. “We’ll see. Nothing’s set in stone and I’m just waiting to see what happens, letting the management and letting the promotions do their job now.”

Alvarez, who is still very much undecided, remains under the matching clause for the time being, but according to Bjorn Rebney, if Alvarez opts to head to the octagon, he will be free to do so as soon as possible. The Bellator CEO has said that he will waive the matching period should the former champion want to join the ranks of the UFC’s lightweight division.