It is only normal that one gets support from family and relatives as they endeavour to conquer life – that is, however, not the case for Themba Takura Lawrence Gorimbo, a Zimbabwean mixed martial artist who competes under American fighting promotion Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Gorimbo rode a four-fight win streak into UFC 310, however, a shocking loss would reveal the true colours of the people he knew were his family.
In December 2024, Gorimbo took a massive leap to face perennial middleweight contender Vicente Luque at UFC 310 as a replacement fighter.
In the aftermath of his stoppage loss to Luque, the 6″1 orthodox fighter was shocked to receive videos of his family members ‘celebrating’ his crushing loss.
“Some of my cousins were celebrating my loss,” Gorimbo told the Pivot.
“They were all celebrating my loss, and they sent me a video of them where we were in a place 15 years ago, this small circle in Danone … and these cousins of mine were celebrating my loss.
“Do you know how much that eats you?” He posed.
The fighter believes that his relative’s reaction may have stemmed from not giving in to their demands to provide for them things he cannot afford.
“All I try to do is [do] better for everybody,” Gorimbo explained.
“I might not directly help you, but maybe I want to build a well for the community, then one person gets angry … someone will message me and say, ‘Will you give me [$5,000]?’
“People think that [because] I’m in the UFC, I’m a millionaire. I’m not. Maybe one day I will be, but it’s the reality I’m not and I cannot afford to do that. Imagine if you have 20 people coming you and saying the same stuff.”
Background & Education
Themba Gorimbo was born in Bikita Zimbabwe. He lost his mother at the age of 12 and father at the age of 13.
Unfortunately, he had to drop out of school and was involved in illegal blood diamond smuggling to earn a living. He suffered serious injuries at the age of 17 after he was attacked by Germa Shepperd dogs while illegally digging for blood diamonds at a mine.
He would later flee to South Africa – this is where he discovered mixed martial arts and followed the sport. Gorimba later purchased a ticket and left for the United States of America (USA) to pursue a career in MMA.
UFC Career
Themba Gorimbo made his UFC debut at UFC 219 on February 18, 2023. He was initially scheduled to fight Billy Goff who later withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by AJ Fletcher.
The Zimbabwean lost the fight in round two via a guillotine choke.
He would get his first win against Takashi Sato on May 20 of the same year at UFC Fight Night 223 via unanimous decision.
Gorimbo returned at UFC Fight Night 225 picking up a technical knockout victory over Pete Rodriguez in round one. He picked up a third win over Ramiz Brahimaj at UFC Fight Night 241 via unanimous decision.
Another unanimous decision win over Niko Price on October 12, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 244 secured him his fourth consecutive victory.
On December 7, 2024, Gorimbo walked into the Octagon to face Luque – replacing Nick Diaz who had pulled out of the fight. He lost to the Brazilian via an an anaconda choke in round one.
Philanthropy
Since joining the UFC, Themba Gorimbo has conducted multiple charity acts including the construction of wells and boreholes in his native village of Bikita in Zimbabwe.
After suffering a loss in his UFC debut, Gorimbo revealed that he had $7 left in his bank account, attracting the attention of WWE and Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson alias The Rock.
The Rock donated towards Themba’s gym and also bought him a house. Other UFC stars including Mexican Featherweight contender Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera are among those who have contributed towards Gorimba’s charity activities.
Accomplishments
Themba Gorimbo is the first Zimbabwean fighter to compete in the UFC.
He is also a former Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Welterweight champion. He boasts one title defence.
In 2023, he was feted the 2023 Fighting Spirit of the Year for his charity activities at the World MMA Awards.
