Shem Rock reveals he fought UFC London injured and expected more loyalty in return

Shaqueme “Shem” Rock has revealed he competed at UFC London in March while injured, believing the UFC would honour an unspoken agreement and give him another opportunity — only to be released shortly after his loss to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady.

Rock, who finished his UFC stint at 0-2, told Home of Fight that he was genuinely surprised when his release came through. The 33-year-old felt he had gone above and beyond by accepting the Al-Selwady fight despite not being fully fit, and had expected the promotion to reciprocate.

“I was surprised; I was thinking I was at least gonna get one more,” Rock said. “Especially the last one, I didn’t really want to do UFC London; I was injured. I felt like I went above and beyond. I felt like I should’ve just stayed on the bench; I thought it was a, ‘You scratch my back, I scratch yours,’ kind of deal.”

Despite his frustration, Rock was measured in his assessment of the situation, stopping well short of bitterness. “I don’t cry over spilled milk. I get it, it’s a cutthroat industry. It’s more about what you’ve done for me recently; it is what it is. I’m making no excuses; I’m moving forward.”

Rock (11-3-1) has since signed with the Professional Fighters League and is set to make his promotional debut against Connor Hughes at PFL Dubai on 14 November at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The move gives the English heavyweight a fresh platform to rebuild his career after a difficult spell in the UFC.