Sports · Combat Sports · 5 hrs ago
Connor Hughes knocks out Shem Rock in PFL Dubai debut
Connor Hughes knocked out Shem Rock in Rock’s PFL debut at PFL Dubai.
Paddy Pimblett watched from cageside as his teammate was stopped by a left hook and right hand.
Rock, 33, had joined the UFC after competing in OKTAGON, but left the UFC after two losses.
He was cut after his second defeat, in a fight where he threw punches after the bell.
Hughes, 29, had competed in the PFL eight times before the bout and improved his record to 6-3 with the win.
Rock needed several minutes of medical attention before he came around, while Hughes said he had heard he would receive a $10,000 bonus.
Connor Hughes knocked out Shem Rock in Rock’s PFL debut at PFL Dubai.
Hughes landed a left hook and right hand combination that left Rock face down.
Rock had been cut by the UFC after losing both of his fights in the promotion.
Paddy Pimblett, Rock’s teammate, watched the fight from cageside.
Hughes said after the win that he had heard there was a $10,000 bonus.
- Who
- Connor Hughes knocked out Shem Rock.
- What
- Hughes stopped Rock with a left hook and right hand combination in Rock’s PFL debut.
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026.
- Where
- PFL Dubai, in the Middle East.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Shem Rock signed with the UFC after a successful run in OKTAGON.
Rock lost his second fight in the UFC and was cut after going 0-2.
Rock made his PFL debut against Connor Hughes at PFL Dubai and was knocked out.
- Winner
- Connor Hughes
- Opponent
- Shem Rock
- Event
- PFL Dubai
- Finish
- Left hook and right hand combination
- Hughes's PFL record
- 6-3 after the win
What people are saying
$10,000 bonus I’ve heard that, I’m back, baby, I’m back
Posts on X
Shem Rock just got SLEPT by Connor Hughes in his first fight after being cut from the UFC Holy sh*t 😳 #PFLDubai