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Eddie Alvarez: “It feels good to know that I'll have options.”

“This is an exciting time in my career,” explained Alvarez in a press release from his representatives at Authentic Sports Management.

“I’ve dedicated over ten years to this sport, and I believe I have another ten ahead of me,” he continued. “As for next steps, I will talk it over with my management team. It feels good to know that I’ll have options. Few fighters have that luxury, and I’m thankful. My team, the Blackzilians and my coaches at Jaco Hybrid Training Center will help me to stay sharp as I wait to see what’s next. No matter what happens, I’ll continue to give fans what they pay for.”

Eddie Alvarez:

Ex-Bellator champ and new free agent Eddie Alvarez to meet with Viacom execs

Alvarez, though, told MMAjunkie.com Radio (MMAjunkie.com Radio | MMAjunkie.com) that sticking with his longtime promoter isn't out of the question. He plans to meet with Viacom execs to discuss his future.

"It's something that I didn't think was going to happen," the 28-year-old fighter said today. "It was put out there that I may be moving on, or they were going to move on without me.

"But now, it's a little bit different, and the people at Viacom want to speak and I'm definitely going to sit down and listen to what they have to say. (Bellator CEO) Bjorn (Rebney) took care of me for the past four years, and I think it's only right."

Bellator retains exclusive rights to negotiate with Alvarez for 90 days, and then match offers from competing promotions for between six and 12 months, according to a source close to the fighter. His freedom, however, has been hotly anticipated by hardcore fans wanting to see how he'd fare against the UFC's top fighters, and his stock recovered more of its value with back-to-back wins following the loss of his title 11 months ago to Michael Chandler.

Alvarez delivered an ultimatum to Rebney inside the cage following a first-round TKO of Shinya Aoki in April.

"Show me the money!" Alvarez crowed after his win, which avenged a 2008 submission loss to the former DREAM champ.

Video: Ex-Bellator champ and new free agent Eddie Alvarez to meet with Viacom execs | MMAjunkie.com