Former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez was given his release from a 90-day exclusive negotiating period with Bellator early, according to Alvarez. That makes him a free agent, and allows him to sign with any promotion - such as the UFC - if he elects to.

Bellator typically holds fighters to a 90-day window where they can match any offer received. Alvarez had his contract expire after a recent victory over Patricky Pitbull in October.

"Bjorn Rebney (Bellator CEO) was gracious enough to give us our release papers early, earlier than what we were contractually to get, he gave it to us (last) Friday," said Alvarez, talking with MMAInterviews.TV over the weekend. "So, we're going to try to move it along as fast as possible for myself and for Bellator. We'll see. Nothing's set in stone and I'm just waiting to see what happens."

Alvarez added that he is allowing his management to deal with the promotions seeking his services. The 28-year-old is 24-3 in his career, and widely-considered one of the top fighters in the world not signed to a UFC contract.

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