Sean Sheehan 
Top ranked lightweight Eddie Alvarez has been released by Bellator MMA. Alvarez, who is the current 155lbs champion, has been unconditionally released and is free to sign with any organization worldwide.
The news was first reported by ESPN.com and new Bellator President Scott Coker has released a statement regarding Eddie Alvarez via the promotion’s website:
“We’ve granted Eddie his unconditional release. Eddie is free to explore the free agent market, we hold no matching rights, and we wish him the best in the future. We sat down with Eddie and his team a few times, and it became pretty clear early on that he just wasn’t interested in fighting for Bellator in the future. We want guys in this organization that want to be here, and after the history Eddie and the former regime had here at Bellator, we decided to move on. We wish Eddie the absolute best of luck with whatever is next for him. It’s a new chapter for everyone involved.”
Eddie Alvarez has also released a statement on the release:
“This was a long process but it’s a decision that everyone seems happy with. I think it’s important to say that I am genuinely thankful for my time at Bellator. I know that sounds a little crazy given everything I went through, but I’ve fought there since 2009, and have been involved in some really amazing fights. The staff there always treated me great, and I’m going to miss seeing a lot of those familiar faces around for sure. Myself and my team had some really good discussions with Scott, but in my heart I knew I was ready to move on and start the next chapter in my career.”
It seems certain now that Alvarez will sign with the UFC and slot in towards the top of the division. A fight with Donald Cerrone has long been touted and, although Cerrone is scheduled to fight Bobby Green at UFC177, it might not be too far away from happening.
