Bellator Releases Welterweight Champion, Promotion Gives Up All Rights To Match

It looks like there will be no ugly contract negotiations between Bellator and welterweight fighter Ben Askren.  Bellator boss, Bjorn Rebney, tweeted to announce the release of Askren.

I’ve made the decision to release Ben Askren. After speaking with Ben, it was clear it was a good time for both parties to move on.

I've made the decision to release Ben Askren. After speaking with Ben, it was clear it was a good time for both parties to move on.

— Bjorn Rebney (@BjornRebney) November 14, 2013

We've relinquished any right to match and Ben can sign with whoever he chooses to sign with. I wish Ben the best wherever he goes.

— Bjorn Rebney (@BjornRebney) November 14, 2013

Askren put out his own tweet, addressing the news.

I am now free to go to the @UFC and beat whoever I want.

— Funky (@Benaskren) November 14, 2013

Now we wait and see what the future holds for Askren, but at least we wont have another Eddie Alvarez situation. Will he dominate or get dominated in the UFC’s welterweight division?