News broke earlier today that Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez was released by the promotion after it was made clear he wanted to move on in his MMA career.
Just hours later the UFC scooped up Alvarez off the free agent market and signed him to fight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 178 on September 27th.
Dana White broke the news on Twitter only moments ago:
Congrats @Ealvarezfight you are finally a UFC fighter!!! Cerrone vs Alvarez #UFC178 #Vegas http://t.co/edCXjzQNIb http://t.co/qhMOVTX6Fr
— Dana White (@danawhite) August 19, 2014
From the UFC:
Long considered the best lightweight fighter outside the UFC, Eddie Alvarez will now get his opportunity to join the Octagon elite. The 30-year-old Philadelphia native signed an exclusive contract with the UFC, the leading promotion in mixed martial arts on Tuesday following months of speculation about his future in the sport.
Alvarez’ first fight under the UFC banner will be a UFC 178 co-main event bout against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in Las Vegas on September 27. Cerrone’s original opponent for that date, Bobby Green, will face an opponent to be determined on a later card.
UFC fans have been waiting a long time to see Alvarez fight inside the Octagon and in just one month they will finally get their wishes granted.
Considering the impressive four fight winning streak Donald Cerrone is on, if Alvarez is able to defeat him in his UFC debut, you can bet he will be next in line for a No. 1 contender’s bout or a UFC title shot.
