The headline bout for Bellator 76 has been confirmed as former Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez (23-3) faces Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (10-3) in a lightweight battle. The event will take place at the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on Friday, October 12.

Here is what Bellator CEO, Bjorn Rebney had to say about the upcoming bout:

“Eddie and Pitbull are two of the most explosive, dynamic Lightweights in MMA. This is a fight I’ve wanted to see for the last two years,” said Rebney. “And now, it’s happening at a really spectacular venue in Windsor at Caesars. This will be an unbelievable night of fights highlighted by two of the best lightweight fighters in the world. I’m counting the days to October 12th.”

Bellator 76 will also feature the quarterfinals of the Season 7 Featherweight Tournament, as well as a host of International and Canadian talent looking to collect big wins inside the Bellator cage.

Eddie Alvarez last fought at Bellator 66 in April, where he scored a first round TKO victory over Shinya Aoki. Prior to that he was defeated via submission by Michael Chandler, losing the lightweight title at Bellator 58 last November. Alvarez had been on a seven fight winning streak before losing to Chandler, he defeated notable fighters such as Josh Neer, Roger Huerta and Pat Curran.

Here is what Alvarez had to say about the upcoming bout:

“After hearing Bellator wanted to put this fight together, I really don’t think they could have made a better matchup for the fans to enjoy,” Alvarez said. “Pitbull has proven to be a legitimate threat in the past and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m already in Florida training for this fight, so I’m taking it incredibly seriously.”

Patricky Freire last fought at Bellator 62 in March, where he was defeated via second round submission by Lloyd Woodard. Prior to that he scored a first round TKO win over Kurt Pellegrino at Bellator 59, and dropped a unanimous decision to Michael Chandler at Bellator 44 in May 2011. “Pitbull” will no doubt look to get himself back into the win column with a good performance against Alvarez.

Here is what “Pitbull” had to say about the upcoming fight:

“October 12 is going to be a big test for me, but I’m very happy for this fight, and the opportunity Bellator is giving me to fight someone like Eddie Alvarez,” Pitbull said. “I can’t put into words the emotion I’m feeling from thinking about this fight. I’m a warrior, and I always fight for pride. I want this fight, and I’m going to give the fans a show.”

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Jay Cee – @themmareview