The UFC has officially parted ways with Shem Rock, a 12-year roster veteran who went 0-2 in the promotion. Rock debuted with a decision loss to Nurullo Aliev in Qatar last November, followed by another decision defeat to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady at UFC London last month. The 32-year-old Liverpudlian had success outside UFC, including a Clan Wars featherweight title and four straight wins in Oktagon MMA. This roster purge also saw Gilbert Burns retire and get removed after his loss to Mike Malott. Rock's release highlights UFC's quick cuts for short-skidding fighters, opening spots for new talent in featherweight.
The UFC has released featherweight Shem Rock following back-to-back decision losses in his short stint with the promotion, with the organization confirming the cut as part of a broader roster purge on May 1, 2026.
Rock, 32, from Liverpool, England, entered the UFC with a decorated independent résumé that included a Clan Wars featherweight title and four consecutive victories in Oktagon MMA. His UFC run never found traction, however. He dropped his debut by decision to Nurullo Aliev in Qatar last November, then suffered another points loss to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady at UFC London last month, ending his promotional tenure at 0-2.
Aliev, the undefeated 25-year-old Tajikistani prospect who handed Rock his first UFC defeat, carries a perfect 11-0 record. Known as the "Tajik Eagle," he averages 2.72 significant strikes per minute and 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded young fighters on the featherweight roster.
Al-Selwady, nicknamed "Pride of Palestine," holds a 16-4 record and fights out of Fortis MMA. The 31-year-old American is among the more active strikers in the division, landing 4.61 significant strikes per minute at 41 percent accuracy.
The purge also confirmed the retirement of welterweight Gilbert Burns. The 39-year-old Brazilian, ranked 13th at welterweight and fighting out of Kill Cliff FC, finishes his career at 22-10. "Durinho" averaged 3.15 significant strikes per minute with 48 percent striking accuracy over his UFC run and added 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes, establishing himself as a legitimate title contender during his prime years.
Why it matters
- Rock's release underscores the UFC's well-established policy of moving quickly on fighters who lose their first two promotional appearances.
- The featherweight roster spot opened by the cut creates opportunity for emerging talent in one of the organization's most competitive divisions.
- Burns' retirement removes a former title challenger from the welterweight rankings, reshuffling the picture just below the top ten.
