After months of speculation and waiting out contracts, Ryan Bader can finally get back to punching people in the face. And he's never been more excited to do so.

The former UFC light heavyweight staple turned recent Bellator signee was in attendance during Bellator 175 in Chicago. The Ultimate Fighter winner was brought to the cage following Muhammed Lawal's victory over Quinton "Rampage Jackson," as it was announced Bader would be facing "King Mo" at Bellator 180 in New York City on June 24.

Although many expected the Power MMA leader to face current light heavyweight champion Phil Davis in his initial showing, the promotion decided to go in a different direction. Nevertheless, Bader is satisfied with the route traveled and looks forward to doing what needs to be done in order to obtain championship gold.

"I have a great fight lined up and I'm ready to get started," Bader told FloCombat. "King Mo has put together some wins and he's a dangerous guy. He got the win against Rampage in the rematch and now we get to fight in New York City at Madison Square Garden. I can't think of a bigger way to make a debut than on that card.

"I'm still gunning for that light heavyweight title and I will get my hands on it. I have no issue with coming over to Bellator and having to get a big win under my belt before I fight for the title. Mo is going to be a tough fight but I get to prove I deserve a shot at that belt. My plan is to beat Mo and go and take Davis' belt as well. It's only a matter of time."

While Bader may have to put in some additional work to land another bout with Davis inside the cage, Bellator was confident the decision to have him face Lawal was the correct one. Lawal came up short in his first fight with Davis and has gone on to win his next two fights inside the Bellator cage.

Bader has also faced Davis previously inside the cage with the Arizona State University wrestling alum taking the victory. Therefore President Scott Coker wanted to see a number one contender's bout with the victor facing Davis later this year.

"The thing about Bader/Davis is we felt that fight deserved to have its own main event. Ryan Bader has a great fight against Phil the first time and I know Phil would love to get revenge on that fight, but why not do it later in the year? The winner of Bader vs. King Mo gets a shot at the title versus Phil Davis. That's the way we decided to go."