Losing wasn’t an option for David Morrell heading into his showdown against David Benavidez on February 1, earlier this year. However, he didn’t have much of a choice as he was out-gunned and out-worked down the stretch.

Having an L in the loss column wasn’t a great feeling, but Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) refused to be sequestered on the sidelines. So, after some quick negotiations, he agreed to make an appearance on ‘Ring III’ this past weekend on a DAZN Pay-Per-View at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, 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, nevertheless, may still be out.

Khataev (10-1, 9 KOs) gave The Ring’s No. 7 ranked 175-pounder hell over the course of 10 rounds, including scoring a fifth-round knockdown. Still, despite having to peel himself up off the deck, Morrell 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. The 27-year-old said it before, and now, he’ll say it again.

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

The former two-division champ 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.

All of those names, at least for now, can wait though. Morrell aims to make a quick turnaround, but for now, he wants to kick his feet up, relax, and enjoy some quality time with the people he loves the most.

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