Losing wasn’t an option for David Morrell heading into his matchup against David Benavidez on Feb. 1. However, he didn’t have much of a choice as he was outgunned and outworked down the stretch.

Having a loss wasn’t a great feeling, but Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) refused to be sequestered. After some quick negotiations, he agreed to make an appearance on "Ring III" this past weekend on a DAZN Pay-Per-View at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing, New York, against Imam Khataev.

Before they officially got it on, Morrell warned the rest of the light heavyweight division that he would be back and better than ever. That jury may still be out.

Khataev (10-1, 9 KOs) gave The Ring’s seventh-ranked 175-pounder a tussle for 10 rounds, including scoring a fifth-round knockdown. Still, Morrell got up and fought like a man possessed, leading to a split-decision win.

Now that he’s back in the winner’s circle, Morrell is looking around at his critics and telling them to check the tape.

“I tell everybody, I’m back,” Morrell, 27, told FightHype.com after his victory.

Morrell has a ton of options now. Of course, he wants to eventually get his hands on Benavidez again, but he wouldn’t mind matchups with Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol, the division’s unified champion.

Morrell aims to make a quick turnaround, but not before catching his breath.

“Next now is vacation, relax with the family."