In his Pride Fighting Championships debut, Erikson beat Gary Goodridge by unanimous decision at "Pride 8" in Tokyo, Japan on November 21, 1999. At "Pride 11 - Battle of the Rising Sun", Erikson faced Heath Herring, getting the takedown early and unloading ground and pound as usual. However, after a stand-up by the referee, Herring rocked Erikson with two kicks as he tried to wrestle again, knocking him to the ground before finishing him with a rear naked choke at 6:17 of round one.