Shem Rock is mindful that his initial adversary in the UFC boasts an unblemished MMA history, but he expresses a limited degree of admiration for the methods employed in his combat. The individual recognized as Shaqueme Rock is poised to commence his highly anticipated UFC tenure this weekend at UFC Qatar through a confrontation with Nurullo Aliev.
The contest is scheduled for November 22nd, and upon being queried for his reflections on Aliev’s prior performances and overall expertise as he prepares for this face-off, Rock stated [as per Bowks Talking Bouts],
“His record is interesting on paper. However, his fighting is not particularly engaging to watch. He’s an incredibly dull wrestler, content with merely holding an opponent down for the duration. He doesn’t initiate action, nor does he attempt to secure finishes. He’s clearly not interested in obtaining a significant bonus. His sole aim seems to be accumulating wins by controlling his opponent.”
Shem Rock: “I’m coming from the start to remove [Aliev’s] chin”
Expanding further on his opinions regarding the intricacies of this approaching match, Rock elaborated [as referenced by Bowks Talking Bouts],
“That is not reflective of my approach. Observe my past performances. I specialize in finishing fights. I’m pressing forward. I assure you, I’m advancing right from the opening bell with the intention of knocking him out. That is my objective. If his intention is to be unexciting, employing a strategy of merely holding on, that’s acceptable. I will then submit him. I’m perfectly comfortable with grappling. I possess a superior level of grappling skill. If he imagines that he can easily dominate me, he is in error.”
“I don’t anticipate him matching me in a stand-up fight, nor do I foresee him dominating me and forcing a submission or inflicting ground and pound damage. Absolutely not. Personally, I view a style like his and I feel that there is little to be concerned about. His only potential course of action is to delay and secure a lackluster decision. However, if he chooses to pursue his career in that manner, he will join the ranks of those quickly forgotten by the UFC upon suffering their first setback. No one desires to witness such tedious competition. I am dedicated to delivering a performance for the spectators and consistently seek to finish the fight.”
