Paddy Pimblett’s teammate Shem Rock signs for new promotion three months after UFC release

Former UFC lightweight Shem Rock has inked a multi-fight deal with the PFL.

The 32-year-old from Liverpool, who trains with Paddy Pimblett at Next Generation MMA, was released from the UFC in April after losing both of his appearances in Dana White‘s promotion.

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Rock made an unsuccessful debut at UFC Qatar last November against Nurullo Aliev and failed to bounce back four months later at UFC London.

To make matters worse, Rock made the headlines for all the wrong reasons during his defeat to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady in the English capital when he threw a cheap shot at his opponent after the bell.

Regardless of whether the Liverpudlian was going to be offered another fight, the moment of madness certainly didn’t help his case.

But Rock (12-3-1) has now moved on to the next chapter in his career as a PFL athlete.

He joins the company alongside fellow new signings Javid Basharat and Leon Hill.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Rock said: “I’m here to make money, go on a tear, and go back to my winning ways, get finishes, and put on exciting fights.

“It was a no-brainer to sign to PFL. It’s one of the biggest organisations, and my dream is still to go to America.

“These are the people that are gonna make all that happen.

“I like the way PFL work with fighters, the way they put on shows, and I think they fit with what my goals are and what’s next for my career; it’s the perfect fit.

“I want fights that will put bums in seats.

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“I’m looking for exciting fights and exciting opponents, someone who’s going to sell the fight, and make me want to get out of bed in the morning and train.

“I need exciting match-ups and something that will excite me.

“I’m looking to fight at the end of the year, but we need to work out dates, a venue, and an opponent.

“As long as I’ve got time to train, I’ll smash someone’s head in.”

Rock will compete in the PFL lightweight division and has already set his sights on reigning champion Umar Nurmagomedov and 155lbs standout Paul Hughes.

You can watch all the latest PFL action live on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel here.