Why Shem Rock Hates Telling His Story — But Continues to Inspire
European MMA sensation Shem Rock loves knowing that his story has helped others, even if he’s tired of sharing it.
Earlier this year, Ultimate Fighting Championship signed the 12-1-1 Liverpudlian to a contract following his successful five-fight run under the OKTAGON MMA banner. Thus far, Rock, 31, has not yet booked his Octagon debut, but his story is already earning him a lot of attention from fight fans.
When he was 19 years old, Rock was arrested in connection with an aggravated burglary, a crime which Rock insists he did not commit. After being questioned and bailed, Rock received a call stating his release was a mistake and was directed to turn himself back in to the authorities.
After having told his representative that he would hand himself in the following day, Rock opted to flee the country, leaving Liverpool for France before reaching Thailand and eventually settling in Malaysia.
It was there that Rock stumbled onto BJJ and immediately fell in love with the sport.
“If I’m honest, I hate telling my story,” Rock said in an interview with Bloody Elbow. “I just want to show up, fight, and be left alone. But people reach out to me saying I’ve changed their life — people I’ve never even met. I’ve had taxi drivers turn around and tell me I saved their life.
“So to not tell my story feels worse than sharing it. It’s like you’ve got to sell a bit of yourself, but hearing how it helps others makes it worth it.”
Shem Rock eventually returned to Liverpool
At one point, Rock was in talks to sign with ONE Championship before the Asia-based promotion learned about his fugitive status and ceased conversations. That prompted Rock to head back to Europe, where he was ultimately found not guilty of aggravated burglary.
Since then, Rock has linked up with UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett and his Next Generation gym in Liverpool. Rock made an appearance at UFC London in March, prompting speculation that he had signed with the promotion.
Rock is unbeaten in his last seven fights and boasts a 91% finish rate, with nine wins coming by way of submission and two knockouts.
