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.

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.

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.

Image credit: OKTAGON MMA