" Actually, when I fought in PRIDE, we had the best fighters in the world. Back then, the UFC had a very serious and big crisis; they were going through some tough times trying to get top fighters. All the best fighters were in PRIDE. "
- Fedor Emelianenko

In the statement, Fedor Emelianenko reflects on his fighting career during a time when PRIDE Fighting Championships was at its peak. He suggests that PRIDE had attracted many top-tier fighters around the world and implies that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) faced significant challenges in competing with PRIDE for talent.

The deeper meaning of this statement reveals a historical perspective on the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts (MMA). Emelianenko is emphasizing PRIDE's dominance during a specific era, when it was considered the premier MMA organization. This assertion speaks to the competition and rivalry between PRIDE and UFC, highlighting how successful PRIDE was in securing top fighters from around the globe. Moreover, his comment can be seen as a commentary on the dynamics of talent acquisition within organizations and how that impacts their success.

Fedor Emelianenko is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished mixed martial artists in history. Known for his exceptional skills and dominance during his career, particularly with PRIDE Fighting Championships from 2001 to 2007, he was instrumental in establishing MMA's global presence. His statement reflects not only on his own experiences but also on the broader context of how MMA evolved as a sport during that period.