While Shem Rock wasn’t even fighting at Oktagon 57, that didn’t stop his name from coming out of the mouths of two of the promotion’s biggest stars.
Despite possessing remarkable skills inside the cage, it’s the Liverpudlian’s gift of the gab that really winds up his rivals, with Losene Keita and Max Coga hitting the roof during Saturday night’s post-fight press conference.
In a moment that sent the fans inside the Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany, into raptures, Europe’s fastest-growing promotion formally announced the signing of ‘Mad’ Max Coga. But while he received a sensational reception from the crowd, Rock wasn’t so kind on social media.
The Next Generation star instantly attempted to goad the 2x NFC champion into a collision at the biggest MMA event of the year, inside Eintracht Frankfurt’s 55,000-seater stadium, Deutsche Bank Park.
However, rather than accept the challenge, the German icon claimed he didn’t even know Rock existed.
At the post-fight press conference, he told Sporf: “Who? I don’t care who is interested in me for my upcoming bout. I don’t know him.”
Losene Keita slams Shem Rock at Oktagon 57
It appears Rock is causing widespread memory loss, as Keita, a man with whom he’s shared a long-time rivalry, also denied having ever heard of the Scouser.
He told Combat Sports UK: “Shem who? Leave that guy behind. Max Coga is interesting. He’s a two-time champ in NFC. Plus, he’s a big star in Germany. Imagine him and me fighting in the Frankfurt stadium. I’d make it look easy. But Shem who, bro? Bring me a good name. Who the f**k is Shem Rock?”
However, the Belgian’s claims may not reflect reality, as in his last outing, Rock proved beyond doubt, that he’s one of the most dangerous competitors in Europe.
Exhibiting remarkable grappling prowess, at Oktagon 56, he locked in a terrifying rear-naked choke, forcing Stefano Catacoli to tap out. And while this victory isn’t quite enough to earn the Scouser a shot at the big dogs, it’s clearly a step in the right direction.
Rock returns to action at Eden Stadium in Prague, Czech Republic, in front of 27,000 people, at Oktagon 58, against his arch nemesis, police officer, Jaroslav Pokorný.
Featured Image Credit: Oktagon MMA
