Liverpool fighter Shem Rock has been cut from the UFC following his second consecutive defeat in the promotion. The lightweight, whose real name is Shaqueme Rock, lost on his debut last year before dropping another decision in London last month.
Rock was outpointed by Nurullo Aliev in his first UFC outing and then lost a unanimous decision to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady at the O2 Arena. After the latter defeat, Rock aimed a punch at Al-Selwady after the Palestinian refused to shake his hand.
The 29-year-old, who trains alongside Paddy Pimblett, took to social media to make light of his release. 'Looks like I’ve got to change my username,' he wrote, referencing the 'UFC' in his social media handle.
Meanwhile, Pimblett is expected to return to the octagon this summer after losing for the first time in the UFC to Justin Gaethje in January. 'I’m going to be fighting in 12 weeks or something... July 11 it’s going to be,' Pimblett said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
Pimblett also reflected on his defeat to Gaethje, stating he processed it quickly. 'I’ve matured a lot. I know I could have won that fight if certain things had gone my way, but it was his night. I know I’m going to win the belt, that’s in my destiny,' he added.
