Erikson submitted Matt Skelton, a kickboxer making his first MMA appearance, at "Pride 17" in Tokyo on November 3, 2001. After the event Pride FC amended their rules so that the type of choke he used, which involved grabbing Skelton's throat with his hand in what was termed a "front strangle choke", would no longer be allowed. In his last bout before departing the promotion, Erikson secured a first round rear naked choke submission of Tim Catalfo at "Pride 19" in Saitama, Japan on February 24, 2002.