Paddy Pimblett’s training partner Shem Rock ‘hated’ by all of Czech Republic admits OKTAGON boss

Rock, who trains with UFC contender Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett, boasts a 9-1-1 professional record.

The 30-year-old made his debut for OKTAGON last April in a majority draw against Arthur Lima. Three months later, he picked up his first win for the organisation against Jan Malach.

Rock was set to end the year fighting Czech policeman Jaroslav Pokorny, though a physical confrontation during the weigh-in saw the bout cancelled.

The Liverpool-native kicked his opponent during a tense stare down, which ultimately forced the match makers to call off the encounter.

Rock’s future wit OKTAGON was under questioning, though last weekend it was confirmed that the Brit would return.

Speaking at a press conference, OKTAGON co-owner Ondrej Novotny said: “It was not easy. We were thinking about it. He’s got a new manager and with him it’s also not easy. He’s a tough cookie.

“But in the end, we just needed to find a way to do it. And we did it. Because we invested a lot of money and energy into Shem.

“It’s more easier for us to keep him than let him go. Even though nobody wants him because he’s a tough cookie. But we still like him. We believe that with Shem will be a lot of fun. That’s why we did it.

“But the whole Czech Republic hates him. Now they hate us after signing him again. Which is okay, that’s what we love. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

“We will put him in the Czech Republic for sure. Not for the first fight, but [at some points] it’s going to be in Birmingham."

Rock returns to action at OKTAGON 56 in Birmingham on April 20.