Tag: Themba Gorimbo

Themba Gorimbo calls for UFC Africa headlining fight after recent win: ‘I come from the gutters’

Themba Gorimbo calls for UFC Africa headlining fight after recent win I came from the guttersAfter picking up a win at UFC Vegas 92, Themba Gorimbo opened up about his dream for the future…

Themba Gorimbo calls for UFC Africa headlining fight after recent win I came from the gutters

After picking up a win at UFC Vegas 92, Themba Gorimbo opened up about his dream for the future and what it will take to make that dream happen.

Coming from the “gutters” of Africa by his own admission, Gorimbo’s story is an inspirational one. He knows that, and that’s why he believes that he can make his dream of headlining a UFC Africa card come true one day.

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At UFC Vegas 92, Gorimbo wasn’t just fighting for himself, though. His coach tragically lost his mother in the lead-up to fight night, and according to Gorimbo, the win was for her just as much as it was for himself.

“I don’t think he took me down,” Gorimbo told reporters at the post-fight press conference. “I think every time he tried to take me down, I remembered my coach and the sacrifice that he made. I said, ‘Nope.’ I remembered the sacrifice that he made. That’s why he didn’t take me down. Every time, he didn’t take me down. My takedown defense was solid. I took him down. I could’ve done more if I wanted to. But for this fight, I was working more on defensive wrestling than attacking wrestling. Because I wanted to knock him out. What I’m doing is being grateful for the win. That’s the most important thing.”

Themba Gorimbo hoped for a spectacular finish but ultimately came up short. Still, Gorimbo is just happy he can leave for home as the victor.

Themba Gorimbo speaks on his dream to headline UFC Africa card

“I’ve heard the rumors they’re going with a Fight Night first when they do go,” Themba Gorimbo said. “At a Fight Night, there’s no titles needed. So I have to make my way up and main event an Apex show. From there, I’ll main event the first African show because I’m a big inspiration to the African fighters because of where I come from. I earned my spot to be here. I didn’t have anything. I worked my ass off to be here. I sacrificed. I nagged my manager daily to be here in the UFC. If an African child can maybe take a page out of my story, to try to make it here, I’m the perfect guy to ask. If you listen to me and you try to do what I do, you might be up there or just land in the UFC.”

Gorimbo UFC Vegas 92

“I feel like I need to do that to inspire a lot of other African kids. I respect the guys who came before me, Izzy (Adesanya), Kamaru (Usman), the history he made, (Francis) Ngannou, the history he made, Dricus (Du Plessis) with the championship that he has. I respect that. But when it comes to the guy who can actually relate a lot more than anything, I’m not disrespecting the guys, but I come from the gutters of Africa, the gutters of Africa. I can maybe turn a page and reach the new market the UFC needs to reach.”

What’s more, Themba Gorimbo wouldn’t even describe himself as a role model. Instead, he’d just like his story to inspire his people.

Gorimbo UFC Vegas

“I’m not a guy that is a role model,” Themba Gorimbo said. “I’m just Themba Gorimbo. That’s what I’m proud of firstly. … When I sit at home, before sleeping at home in my bed, I reflect, and I don’t make the same mistakes again. So I’m not a role model, but I want to be an inspiration and I think I am. … I am inspiration more than a role model.”

Who do you think will headline the UFC Africa card?

UFC prospect Themba Gorimbo receives brand new house from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson: ‘Welcome home’

Themba GorimboLast month, fight fans were treated to a heartwarming moment when UFC prospect Themba Gorimbo received an unexpected visit from the most electrifying man in sports entertainment, The Rock. In May, Themba Gorimbo earned his first win inside the Octagon, securing a unanimous decision victory over Takashi Soto at a Fight Night event. However, it […]

Themba Gorimbo

Last month, fight fans were treated to a heartwarming moment when UFC prospect Themba Gorimbo received an unexpected visit from the most electrifying man in sports entertainment, The Rock.

In May, Themba Gorimbo earned his first win inside the Octagon, securing a unanimous decision victory over Takashi Soto at a Fight Night event. However, it was Gorimbo’s comments after the fight that got the world’s attention. During his post-fight interview, ‘The Answer’ revealed that he had little more than $7 in his bank account going into fight week and was often treated to meals by his MMA Masters teammates, including perennial welterweight contender Colby Covington.

The story quickly caught the attention of Dwayne Johnson, who knows all too well what it feels like to only have a few dollars in your pocket. The Rock reached out letting Gorimbo know that he was determined to help out and would be in touch. Two months later, Johnson did exactly that, surprising Themba Gorimbo at his gym before whisking him away to a house in Miami.

The house turned out to be Gorimbo’s new home.

Welcome home @TheAnswerMMA,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “You and your family enjoy your new house brother. Lights are on. Bills are paid. Keep your “My Reason” list close, keep taking care of your people and I’m honored to play a very, very small role in your $7 bucks journey. $7 bucks. I’ve been there too. Got your back brother. Let’s get to work on that dream of becoming @ufc champion one day.”

With a place to call home, Themba Gorimbo can now focus on the two most important things in his life; family and becoming a UFC champion.

Currently, Gorimbo is 11-4 in his mixed martial arts career with a majority of his experience coming whilst fighting for regional promotions in Africa. ‘The Answer’ has also competed for UAE Warriors and Fury Fighting Championship ahead of his UFC debut. Gorimbo came up short in his Octagon debut, suffering a second-round guillotine choke to AJ Fletcher, but he quickly bounced back three months later to secure his first win in the UFC.

Video – Themba Gorimbo gets a surprise visit from The Rock in heartwarming moment

GorimboAfrican standout Themba Gorimbo received a visit from the most electrifying man in sports entertainment. Gorimbo made his Octagon debut in February, coming up short against AJ Fletcher, but the Zimbabwe native bounced back three months later, scoring a unanimous decision win over Takashi Sato. However, it was Gorimbo’s post-fight reveal that got much of […]

Gorimbo

African standout Themba Gorimbo received a visit from the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.

Gorimbo made his Octagon debut in February, coming up short against AJ Fletcher, but the Zimbabwe native bounced back three months later, scoring a unanimous decision win over Takashi Sato. However, it was Gorimbo’s post-fight reveal that got much of the attention. Speaking with members of the media, ‘The Answer’ disclosed that going into fight week, he only had $7 in his bank account and was relying on his teammates to bring him meals.

The story quickly went viral and caught the attention of Dwayne Johnson, known by the millions… And millions of his fans as The Rock. Taking to Twitter, Johnson was moved by Gorimbo’s story and offered a helping hand.

As it turns out, that helping hand ended up being a surprise visit. Oh, and a fully furnished home in Miami.

The Rock Pays a Visit to Themba Gorimbo at MMA Masters in Miami

“We’ve never met but I had to fly to Miami to look this man [Themba Gorimbo] in the eyes, hug him and shake his hand,” Johnson tweeted Thursday. “I’ve been moved & motivated by his story. He recently won his first fight in the [UFC]. He had $7 bucks in his bank account when he won. He sleeps on a couch in the gym.

“After the fight, he sold his fight gear (trunks & gloves) on line and made $7,000. Instead of using the money to find a place to live, he built a bush pump so his village back in Zimbabwe can have clean water. He never asked me for anything, but I just wanted to help the guy out. $7 Bucks ya know. And I felt the MANA & emotion in every hug. Very good and very special day.”

In a sport that is often loaded to the brim with hate and animosity, it’s nice to see something truly heartwarming happen.

Dwayne Johnson offers helping hand to struggling UFC newcomer Themba Gorimbo

Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnson knows a thing or two about the financial struggles that one UFC newcomer is facing. Zimbabwe native Themba Gorimbo scored his first win inside the Octagon last month, besting Takashi Sato at a Fight Night event inside The APEX. However, it was Gorimbo’s comments following the fight that garnered the most attention. During […]

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson knows a thing or two about the financial struggles that one UFC newcomer is facing.

Zimbabwe native Themba Gorimbo scored his first win inside the Octagon last month, besting Takashi Sato at a Fight Night event inside The APEX. However, it was Gorimbo’s comments following the fight that garnered the most attention. During his post-fight interview, ‘The Answer’ revealed that he went into the event with a mere $7 in his bank account. He was so low on funds entering fight week that welterweight contender Colby Covington helped him with meals in the days leading up to his sophomore appearance for the promotion.

“I’ve been broke,” Gorimbo said at his UFC Vegas 73 post-fight media scrum. “I came to America seven weeks ago without money. I only had enough money to fly, get to the airport to the gym, stayed at the gym, and then a friend sent me $200.

“It’s been a roller coaster. I didn’t have money, if you look at my bank account there’s $7 right now. In my bank account, there’s $7, and I have to enjoy this. I don’t know how much I’m getting paid. All I’ve been focused on for this fight was to get the win. The win was the most important thing, the money is the byproduct of getting the win.”

Relating to Gorimbo’s struggle, Dwayne Johnson reached out to ‘The Answer’ on Twitter and offered a helping hand to the African fighter.

“This is f’n crazy to see and brings back many emotions and memories,” Johnson wrote. “$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account. I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind. Got your back, brother. I’ll help. You got this. I’ll be in touch.”

Gorimbo was grateful for the shoutout and offer from Johnson. “Bless you brother. God’s work,” Gorimbo tweeted in response.

Dwayne Johnson Has Emerged as One of the World’s Biggest Stars

Despite coming from a long lineage of professional wrestling stars, Dwayne Johnson’s early days saw the Hollywood icon struggle to keep his head above water while pursuing a career in football. Playing in the Canadian Football League, Johnson routinely relied on team meetings to be fed and resorted to dumpster diving just to have a mattress to lie on at night. Things began to turn around in the 90s when Johnson decided to follow in the footsteps of his father Rocky Johnson and sign with the World Wrestling Federation. In a few short years, Johnson emerged as one of the most successful sports entertainers in the history of the game.

Today, Dwayne Johnson is known the world over as a bonafide Hollywood superstar, appearing in some of the biggest film franchises including The Fast and the Furious, G.I. Joe, and Jumanji. Johnson has also appeared in a plethora of action films earning comparisons to high-octane stars of the 80s, including Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone.

In 2023, Dwayne Johnson dipped his toe back into the world of football relaunching the XFL as a majority owner of the NFL feeder league alongside his ex-wife and business partner Dany Garcia.

Colby Covington brought food to broke teammate Themba Gorimbo during UFC fight week: ‘He’s a great man’

GorimboWith little money to his name, Themba Gorimbo revealed that welterweight gatekeeper Colby Covington went out of his way to bring him food while he was training for his UFC Vegas 73 bout. Themba Gorimbo picked up a big win on Saturday night, besting Takashi Sato in the evening’s opening bout to become the first […]

Gorimbo

With little money to his name, Themba Gorimbo revealed that welterweight gatekeeper Colby Covington went out of his way to bring him food while he was training for his UFC Vegas 73 bout.

Themba Gorimbo picked up a big win on Saturday night, besting Takashi Sato in the evening’s opening bout to become the first Zimbabwean fighter to score a victory inside the Octagon. It was a much-needed W after coming up short in his promotional debut against A.J. Fletcher three months prior. Following the contest, Gorimbo addressed members of the media at a post-fight press event where he revealed that following his unsuccessful first appearance, many friends and family members chose to cut ties with him.

“I want to be honest; I know it might hit some people, but the truth must be told as it is, if you love me or hate me, it is what it is. But it kind of hit me that after the fight, my coaches went to a party, whatever. I was in that room all by myself, crying, crying over myself,” Gorimbo said.

“Everyone just kind of moved away. Straight after my loss, when I got home. Everybody [looked at me] like a guy that was smelling like sh*t. You know, people kind of ignored me. People that I helped kind of ignored me. A lot of people, even people that were close to me, some of them are called my friends…even my own brother, man. I love my brother because my brother is my blood at the end of the day. But the truth must be told me; it hurts me so much that I do so much for people.

“Bro, I do so much for people. People might not tell you, but I do so much for people back home. And for them to do what they did to me, I hope the Lord forgives them.”

Themba Gorimbo Calls Colby Covington a ‘Great Guy’ Following First UFC Win

Determined to make the most of his opportunity, Gorimbo changed coaches and moved his training camp to MMA Masters in Miami once he had booked a second fight inside the Octagon. After making the expensive trip, ‘The Answer’ had just $7 left in his bank account going into fight week. Fortunately, Gorimbo received some much-needed help from an unexpected source.

“Colby Covington, he is such a great guy, man. Colby Covington sometimes would bring food for me at the gym,” Gorimbo said. “People say what they say and want to avoid him, but that guy’s a great man. You have to know him to kind of know him. Just like me…You know, at the end of the day is business.”

Scoring a win in his sophomore appearance, Themba Gorimbo will see his bank account once again replenished. With the money, he hopes to permanently relocate from Africa to Miami in the near future.