A massive bout has just been announced between two of the most exciting lightweights in European MMA. Lom-Ali Eskiev will face Shem Rock at Oktagon 71 which takes place in Munich, Germany on May 17th.
Eskiev Off To Impressive Start
Eskiev (23-7), a veteran of major promotions such as KSW and ACA, has won both of his fights under the Oktagon banner so far. The Russian, who trains at the fabled UFD Gym in Dussledorf, Germany, made his promotional debut last Septmeber where he knocked out Slovak legend Ivan Buchinger in the opening round.
He followed that up with another finish, this time over Wanderley Junior, at Oktagon 66 earlier this month. "Leon" has been on somewhat of a hot streak recently, having finsihed 7 of his last 8 victories inside the distance.
Shem Rock Looking To Extend Winning Run
Shem Rock (11-1-1) has been a revelation since linking up with the organization in 2023. After drawing with Arthur Lima in his Oktagon debut in April of that year, the Liverpool native has submitted Jan Malach, Stefano Catacoli and Jaroslav Pokorny all by way of rear naked choke, and all inside the opening round.
The 31-year-old has finished 10 of his 11 professional wins by way of first-round submission, marking him out as one of the dangerous 155 lb fighters outside of the UFC.
It's likely the majority of the home support in BMW Park on May 17th will be hoping to see Rock lose, but given that he went into enemy territory in his last bout and finished Jaroslav Pokorny in front of 28,000 Czech fans, he's unlikely to be fazed by the prospect of repeating that act when he faces Eskiev.
Oktagon 71 will also feature a rematch at 205 lbs as Alexander Poppeck (17-5) and Pavol Langer (13-11) clash once more. The pair met at Oktagon 44 in 2023 with Langer outpointing Poppeck to win the promotion's interim title.
