In the latest chapter of the continuing saga of Bellator and Eddie Alvarez, we are treated to some contract details that have left me wondering what part of Left Field the brass is running their operations from. Courtesy of Dave Meltzer of MMA Fighting, is an excerpt from this week's Wrestling Observer (subscription required):
The Alvarez settlement with Bellator that led to him facing Michael Chandler on the 11/2 PPV show was unique. Alvarez signed a two-fight contract with Bellator, and when the second fight is over, he is an unrestricted free agent, meaning he can go to UFC and Bellator has no rights to keep him by matching an offer. If Chandler wins, Alvarez is a free agent and doesn't have to do the second fight. If Alvarez wins the title, he would have to give Chandler a rematch, but win or lose, he can leave at that point. Bellator is counting on the idea that Chandler, who has looked great of late, can beat Alvarez at least once in two tries. While I'd say the odds are in their favor, they are risking looking really bad. What can be worse is to have a guy come back in, beat the best guy in your promotion twice, hold your title, and then go to UFC. No word on the financial terms but I doubt it was the same terms they had offered him originally on the eight-fight deal.
Then we have Eddie Alvarez, who said in a prepared statement, sent by his camp to MMA Weekly, that the media is inaccurate in their speculation of his contract. Here's what was contained in the statement:
Recently there has been speculation in the media regarding my settlement with Bellator. The settlement is involved and complicated and contains many contingencies,
The terms of the settlement are confidential and neither I, nor my representatives, are going to release these terms to anyone. The speculations, which have been printed, are just that, speculations, and could not possibly be completely accurate as the settlement is over forty (40) pages long.
I would suggest that these speculations are helping no one, and respectfully request that they cease immediately. All I want to do is fight.
In a time when Bellator doesn't need any chance of a big ole faux pas, one has to question whether they are really willing to risk looking bush league or second rate. After a year long battle with their former lightweight champ, I just can't imagine that happening, but hey, I've been wrong before. Maybe they like the feeling of lead in their own foot. We'll just have to wait and see if any concrete details emerge.
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