Coker expects Bader's first title defense to be vs. King Mo

Newly crowned Bellator light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader better get back to work.

After winning a split decision over Phil Davis in the main event of Bellator 180 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden (in a near replay of their UFC on FOX 14 bout that also ended in Bader taking a split call) to capture his first MMA title, Bader's first defense will be against Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, company president Scott Coker told Ariel Helwani on "The MMA Hour."

No date was mentioned for the prospective bout, but Coker expects it to take place in 2017.

"Bader should fight King Mo next," said Coker. "King Mo is ready to go down to 205 and ready to fight before the end of the year."

Bader made the move from the Octagon to the Bellator cage in March and he was originally booked to debut against King Mo at Bellator 180 before an injury forced Lawal to withdraw. Davis stepped in as a replacement and Bader found himself with an unexpected title opportunity.

King Mo's last three fights have all taken place outside of the 205-lb division. He most recently defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson by unanimous decision in a heavyweight bout at Bellator 175 this past March.