Eddie Alvarez's UFC debut has been made official after his former company Bellator FC granted his release. "The Silent Assassin" has now been slated to face Donald Cerrone at UFC 178 as the event's co-main event fight.
Eddie Alvarez's UFC debut will consequently have him vacate the Bellator lightweight championship that he recently won from Michael Chandler via split decision in November 2013 at Bellator 106.
Newly appointed Bellator FC President Scott Coker confirmed the news of Alvarez's release via an interview with ESPN.com.
"We granted Eddie his unconditional release this morning," Coker said. "Eddie is free to explore the free-agent market. We wish him the best in the future."
Coker, who took the reins of the Newport Beach-based company in mid-June, also confirmed that "The Silent Assassin" was not completely happy with how things were run by then company executive Bjorn Rebney.
"After sitting down with him and getting to know him, it was just a very hurtful situation for him," Coker continued. "I think the damage was already done. It became clear there was a wall there, and it was not directed at me."
"They just made it clear the damage was done," he added.
Eddie Alvarez himself released a statement regarding his UFC transfer, and expressed his gratitude towards the company he has fought under since its debut event in 2009.
"This was a long process but it's a decision that everyone seems happy with," Alvarez explained. "I think it's important to say that I am genuinely thankful for the 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."
Eddie Alvarez's UFC debut will be taking place on September 27th against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, as UFC 178's co-main event bout. The news was first announced by UFC President Dana White himself.
"Congrats @Ealvarezfight you are finally a UFC fighter!!! Cerrone vs Alvarez #UFC178 #Vegas," White posted through his personal Twitter account.
