News

Liverpool MMA Star Shem Rock Set for Grudge Match at 27,000-Seater Football Stadium

Shem Rock’s next fight confirmed as he faces Jaroslav Pokorny at OKTAGON 58, promising a grudge match of epic proportions.

Louis Hobbs
Louis Hobbs

Last Updated: 2024-05-07

Naim Rosinski

4 minutes read

Shem Rock’s Next Bout Confirmed

Liverpudlian MMA sensation Shem Rock (10-1-1) is gearing up for a showdown of epic proportions as he prepares to step into the octagon against Jaroslav Pokorny (16-11) at OKTAGON 58, to be held at Prague’s prestigious Eden Stadium.

The anticipation for this clash has been brewing since their scheduled bout at OKTAGON 48 in Manchester took a tumultuous turn during the official weigh-in. A heated exchange saw Rock delivering a fateful kick to Pokorny, resulting in a rib injury that forced the Czech fighter to withdraw from the match.

A Tumultuous Past Encounter

Adding fuel to the fire, the contrasting backgrounds of these two fighters have only intensified the rivalry. Rock, who endured a wrongful arrest leading to a six-month stint behind bars for a crime he did not commit, is poised to settle the score against Pokorny, a member of the Czech police force.

Last Time Out at OKTAGON 56

In his last electrifying performance at OKTAGON 56 in Birmingham, Rock showcased his prowess inside the cage against formidable opponent Stefano Catacoli

From the moment the bell rang, Rock wasted no time in setting the tempo, immediately asserting his dominance with a well-executed leg trip takedown early in the bout. With a combination of skilful precision and calculated patience, he deftly maneuvered Catacoli into a compromising position, setting the stage for what would be a decisive moment in the fight.

Displaying his submission expertise, Rock locked in a rear naked choke, applying relentless pressure on Catacoli. After enduring nearly 20 seconds of unyielding pressure, Catacoli ultimately conceded defeat, tapping out a mere one minute and 47 seconds into the first round.

Shem Rock Solo.jpeg

Image credit: OKTAGON MMA

The Grandest Event Yet

With OKTAGON 58 marking the promotion’s grandest event to date, set to captivate a sold-out crowd of 27,000 fervent fans, the stage is set for what promises to be a grudge match of unparalleled intensity.

Enthusiasts eager to witness this monumental showdown first-hand can secure their tickets now for what is poised to be a historic moment in European MMA history.

OKTAGON MMA has firmly established itself as a powerhouse within the European MMA landscape, boasting top-tier production values and a knack for crafting compelling matchups. 

Recently, the promotion garnered further acclaim by earning a coveted spot on the shortlist for MMA Promotion of the Year, solidifying its status as one of the world’s premier MMA organisations.

Stay tuned to SportsBoom.com to keep up to date with the thrilling MMA action and fierce competition as it happens live from the arena floor.

Louis Hobbs
Louis HobbsLead Journalist

Meet Louis Hobbs, our esteemed authority on all matters sports-related. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Louis effortlessly emerges as our go-to expert. His particular expertise in the realms of darts and snooker sets him apart and brings a level of insight that goes beyond the ordinary. Louis also holds a deep affection for all things related to US sports, with a special emphasis on basketball and American football, which stand out as his particular favorites. His content may not resonate with you, if you don't consider Lamar Jackson the most skilled player in the NFL.