"As far as I know PRIDE tried to organize fights between heavyweight and middleweight [champions]," he said. "I don't know who exactly refused the fight – either [the] UFC or Tim Sylvia – but there was a refusal. I didn't avoid any fighter, and I won't do that. I'm ready."

There had been rumors that Fedor's camp was attempting to get assurances that Fedor wouldn't have to fight Sylvia were he to sign with the UFC. This statement was likely an attempt to address those rumors.