From fleeing to Malaysia after being accused of a crime he didn’t commit, to captivating 27,000 fans in Eden Stadium, Prague, Czech Republic, Shem Rock has gone on a remarkable road to redemption.
From a kid on the wrong path, to a man who works with CELLS, a charity in Liverpool that helps struggling youths, the gifted mixed martial artist has become a beacon of hope in his community, proving that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible.
Shem Rock vs Jaroslav Pokorný caught the public’s imagination
In a moment he’ll never forget, last Saturday, Shem Rock walked out to a cacophony of boos as he made his way to the cage to fight police officer Jaroslav Pokorný.
From very opposing backgrounds, the pair of titans gelled to create one of the greatest rivalries in Oktagon history.
When Rock was accused of a crime he hadn’t done, rather than go to jail, he ran to Malaysia, where he discovered jiu-jitsu. This turn of events completely changed the trajectory of his life, with the Liverpudlian turning his back on his old ways to dedicate every fibre of his being to becoming a role model to all those he knew back home.
For ten years, Rock honed his craft, developing into a fighting phenom, capable of competing with the best in the world. Alas, after a title clash in Belfast, he was arrested, and served six months, until new evidence came to light proving he had nothing to do with the burglary he was accused of committing.
Thus, the match-up between Pokorný and he, was simply written in the stars.
Shem Rock finished a police officer with a brutal rear-naked choke
The duo were originally scheduled to square-off in Manchester, until a kick from Rock at the weigh-ins, broke his adversary’s rib, prompting the doctor to suggest the cancellation of the bout, leaving fans fearful that the eagerly-anticipated collision would never take place.
But luckily, the location of Eden Stadium, added extra drama to an already salivating contest.
READ MORE: 58,000 IN FRANKFURT, 27,000 IN PRAGUE: HOW BIG CAN OKTAGON MMA DREAM?
When the pair finally met in the cage, Rock showcased his remarkable grappling prowess, taking Pokorný’s back and refusing to let go.
In a testament to his remarkable fighting heart, the Czech did everything in his power to remove the honourary Irishman’s arms from his neck, but alas, he was unable to do so, with his lights switching off with one minute and fifty-four seconds left of the first round.
Shem Rock calls for huge fight at Oktagon 62 in front of 58,000 fans
Having proven his skills beyond doubt, Rock is ready to take the next step in his career, by competing at the 58,000-seater Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. And he already has two targets in mind.
At the post-fight press conference, he told Sporf: “I’d take Max Coga and Hafeni Nafuka on the same night. I’d take Coga first and punch Nafuka up afterwards. I genuinely think they’ll go running. If Nafuka wants on that card, all he has to do is say my name. Does he play the risky game and try and hold out for someone else and maybe not get on the card? Who doesn’t want to fight in a 58,000-seater stadium if you’re from Germany? Let’s see, if it’s not him, we’ll find someone.”
Sadly, it appears Coga has agreed to another fight, but the possibility of the Next Gen star securing a bout with Nafuka is still alive and well. Regardless, after receiving such a massive reception from the Czech crowd, it goes without saying Rock will be doing his utmost to ensure he hears 58,000 German fans booing him in unison on one of the biggest nights in European MMA history.
He laughed: “I probably got the biggest reaction of the night, not in terms of cheers but definitely in terms of noise. When people support you, it’s nice, but when people hate you, it’s different. People were going out of their way, standing up to boo me. I was just soaking up the energy. I don’t care if you’re for me or against me, I just care that you’re interested. That’s what gets me going. I got a few fist-bumps on the way to the cage, but 95% of people were booing me. That shows I’m here for a reason.
“I think it’s just us Scousers. We’ve got something.”
Featured Image Credit: Oktagon MMA
