In a recent interview with Fighters Only, Liverpool’s rising star Shem Rock (12-1-1) reflected on his time with Oktagon MMA and shared his ambitions after signing with the UFC.
The 31-year-old is one of the UFC’s latest European signings, joining the roster after an impressive run with Czech/Slovak promotion Oktagon MMA, where he established himself as one of the hottest talents on the continent. So when he became a free agent following his last fight in May, it came as no surprise that the UFC came calling.
Where were you when you found out you’d been signed to the UFC, and what was your reaction?
“When I got the news, I was at my partner’s in Manchester. My manager, Graham Boylan, rang me and told me. My reaction was normal—it’s what I’ve been working toward for over twelve years, and I’ve been ready for this for the past five. So it just felt right when Graham said it on the phone.”
Shem Rock’s journey into mixed martial arts is well documented. He spent nearly a decade on the run before finding his way into a jiu-jitsu gym in Malaysia—a moment that would change his life. Something pushed him through those doors that day, and he’s been writing his story in the sport ever since, with plenty of chapters still to come.
When you started training, did you think it would take you to the UFC?
“No, when I started, I didn’t think it would take me to the UFC. I didn’t even have any aspirations to fight. I just started jiu-jitsu and enjoyed training, and the goals grew as I grew. I knew pretty early on, though—probably after about six months—that I wanted to be in the UFC.”
A big part of Rock’s rise came during his unbeaten five-fight run with Oktagon MMA, where he scored three consecutive first-round rear-naked choke victories, the last of which ended a heated rivalry with Jaroslav Pokorny that captured European MMA fans’ attention.
You have a lot of big-stage experience with Oktagon MMA. How will that help you on the world stage?
“Yeah, I rise to the big occasions. I’m probably more nervous fighting in a sports hall with nobody there. Big stadiums—that’s what motivates me, that’s what gets me out of bed and keeps me hungry in the gym. I love going into someone else’s backyard and fighting them on their home turf with everyone booing me. I love being the underdog. That’s what I’m in the sport for!”
What are your best memories from Oktagon, and how would you sum up your time there?
“The Oktagon Challenge series was great. I got to be Team Ireland coach alongside guys like Paddy Holohan and Brad Pickett. I coached my good mate Denis Frimpong, who I’ve probably cornered for more fights than his actual coaches. Fighting in the open-air stadium when I dropped Jan Malach with a teep was a highlight—and, of course, beating a police officer [Jaroslav Pokorny] in his own backyard in front of 30,000 people!
“I feel like I’ve done it all in Oktagon. There was nothing left for me, and the guys with the belts didn’t want to fight me. Look at the rankings now—nobody can say I wasn’t the number one guy like I said from the start. Now I’m going to prove it in the UFC.”
Having achieved all he could on the European scene, the training partner of top-10 UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett is ready for a new mission—one that he hopes will see him rise to the top of the sport’s biggest stage.
Have you set yourself any goals in the UFC, and where do you see yourself in five years?
“Yeah—to go on a f***ing tear, smash everyone’s head in, get the bonuses, get the finishes, and get on that mic to cause chaos. I’m looking to call everyone out and make this lightweight division great again. All these old men are getting boring—they’re washed out. It’s time for some new blood!
“In five years, I’ll be UFC champion. That’s where I’ll be.”
Do you have a fight booked yet?
“I do have a fight. I have a date, but no opponent yet. All I can say is that you’ll see the Shem Show very soon!”
Rock has already begun calling out potential opponents, recently taking aim at Renato Moicano, who fought Islam Makhachev for the world title as recently as January.
With a colorful backstory, slick skills, and a sharp tongue, Shem Rock looks poised to make waves in the UFC’s lightweight division.
Stay up to date with the Liverpool fighter’s journey by subscribing to his YouTube channel, @shemrockufc, where he regularly uploads training and fight camp vlogs.
