Storyline

Pride Critical Countdown Absolute was a mixed martial arts event held by the Pride Fighting Championships. It took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on July 1, 2006. This event comprised the second round of the Pride 2006 Open-Weight Grand Prix tournament, featuring the advancing fighters from the first round held at Pride Total Elimination Absolute. Wanderlei Silva was inserted into the tournament in place of Pride Heavyweight Champion Fedor Emelianenko, who was unable to participate due to a hand injury.