Paddy Pimblett’s teammate Shem Rock set for ‘big test’ on MMA return in Europe’s biggest promotion

OKTAGON lightweight contender Shem Rock has said he is ready to show people his level on his return to MMA.

Rock is a training partner of UFC star Paddy Pimblett and made his debut for Europe’s largest MMA promotion in 2023.

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@shemrockbjj – instagram

He is making his return to competition for the first time in almost a year against Lom-Ali Eskiev on May 17 inside BMW Park in Munich, Germany.

Both men are undefeated in the promotion but haven’t faced anyone on the level of one another yet ahead of this blockbuster encounter at OKTAON 71.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Rock couldn’t hold back his excitement when talking about his octagon return.

“It’s good to be back after a year out,” he said. “Well, a year in April it will be. Obviously I was supposed to fight on December 29. That never happened, as I got injured.

“But I don’t like sitting on the sidelines, I don’t like being inactive so I’m just so happy that I can get out there and I’ve got a big test in front of me.

“He’s one of the best in the division, and I can’t wait to really show people my level.”

Before signing with OKTAGON MMA last year, Eskiev was a title contender in some of the biggest organisations across Europe.

Rock acknowledged this and didn’t shy away from the standard of his opponent come May, while admitting it doesn’t phase him fighting in ‘enemy territory’.

“I rate Lom-Ali. Lom-Ali is good, but at the end of the day it’s the Shem show,” Rock added.

“I’m going out there to finish him like I do against everyone I don’t come here for decision wins, it’s kill or be killed.

@shemrockbjj – instagram

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“Enemy territory – nothing new to me. I’ve still to this day never fought a single fight in my hometown of Liverpool.

“So I’m used to being the bad guy, I’m used to being booed and I’m also used to silencing the crowd – it’s what I do.

“This is the biggest fight in the 155lb division that OKTAGON can make.

“F*** the rankings, you’re looking at the two best guys in the division. This is the real champ fight. Simple. It’s the Shem show baby.”

Rock has been one of the most controversial athletes on the OKTAGON roster since signing with the promotion, but he’s always delivered whenever he takes to action.

The Next Generation MMA team member, who trains alongside fellow Liverpudlians Pimblett and Molly McCann has secured three first-round submission wins in his most recent outings, continuing his 100 per cent stoppage rate.

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Rock is no stranger to travelling into enemy territory and silencing the crowd, as he finished Jaroslav Pokorny to settle their bitter feud in front of 28,000 booing fans at Eden football stadium, Prague, in his most recent appearance.

The 31-year-old spent ten years on the run from police in his youth as an ex-drug dealer, before finding his love for MMA.