Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful for UFC.

Artem Lobov, the warrior of the cage known for his grit rather than his record, once said with humility: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very thankful for UFC.” These words, though short, resound like a bell struck in the stillness. They remind us of the power of gratitude, even amidst conflict or disappointment, and the balance between recognizing blessings and speaking truth about hardships. For in the life of every fighter, both in the ring and in the world beyond it, there comes a moment when one must honor the road that gave them strength, even if the road was marked with stones.

The origin of this quote lies in Lobov’s time in the UFC — the world’s most visible stage for mixed martial arts. Though his record was not gilded with many victories, his heart and ferocity earned him respect. His words likely emerged from a place of honesty, where he wished to acknowledge that though the UFC had its flaws and challenges, it had also given him opportunity, a platform, and a chance to test his spirit against the best. Gratitude, even when mixed with critique, reveals a noble heart: one that does not forget the doors opened, even while lamenting the burdens carried.

History offers us echoes of this truth. Consider Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome, who endured wars, plagues, and betrayals, yet in his Meditations often paused to give thanks — for his teachers, his parents, his soldiers, and even the hardships that made him stronger. He did not deny the struggles of his reign, but he understood that to curse the soil that bore you is to dishonor the fruit it gave. Lobov’s words reflect this same philosophy: he may have criticisms, but he remains thankful for the stage upon which he was tested.

At the heart of his statement lies the sacred balance between acknowledgment and independence. A man may speak of challenges, he may even critique the structures around him, but if he is wise, he never forgets to give thanks for the chances that allowed him to grow. Gratitude does not erase hardship, but it prevents bitterness from consuming the soul. It allows a man to walk forward with dignity, knowing he has honored his past while seeking a brighter future.

To the youth, the lesson is this: when you speak of the places you have been — schools, jobs, relationships, even struggles — do not let anger or disappointment blind you to the opportunities hidden within them. You may not have found perfection, but you found experience, and that itself is a treasure. Like Lobov, you can say, “Don’t get me wrong — I am thankful,” even as you step forward to seek greater ground.

To those already walking the long road of life, the teaching is a reminder of humility. It is easy to focus only on what was denied, or on the hardships endured. Yet the path, however rough, gave you strength, gave you knowledge, gave you resilience. Thankfulness is the key that unlocks peace in memory. Without it, the past becomes a burden; with it, the past becomes a foundation.

The eternal wisdom here is this: gratitude is not denial, but perspective. One can see the flaws and still give thanks; one can suffer and still honor the opportunities that suffering revealed. Artem Lobov, in his few words, reminds us that the highest victory is not only in fighting well, but in remembering with gratitude the stage upon which the fight was fought.

Thus, let this teaching be carried onward: be honest about your struggles, be brave in your critiques, but always, always carry gratitude. For thankfulness transforms hardship into strength and turns every step of the journey into sacred ground.