Themba Gorimbo is a Zimbabwean mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is also the former EFC welterweight champion and the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight.
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Themba Gorimbo Biography: Picture credit to MMA Junkie
Early Life and Struggles
Themba Gorimbo was born on January 23, 1991, in Bikita, Eastern Zimbabwe.
At the age of nine, he lost his mother, and four years later, his father passed away, leaving him to care for his siblings.
To survive, Gorimbo resorted to illegal diamond mining in Marange fields, facing perilous encounters with the police and German shepherds.
Martial Arts Journey
In 2008, at 17, Gorimbo made a daring decision to move to South Africa illegally.
Caught by immigration officials, he was deported but promptly returned.
Living on the streets, he did odd jobs to sustain himself, later moving to Cape Town.
Inspired by the movie “Never Back Down” in 2010, he embarked on a martial arts journey, excelling in karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
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EFC Champion and UFC Fighter
Gorimbo made his professional MMA debut in 2010, gaining recognition with a 10-3 record.
In 2018, he joined the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), winning the welterweight title.
Defending it twice, he secured a UFC contract in 2022. Notably, Gorimbo became the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight at UFC Vegas 73 in 2023, defeating Takashi Sato.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Gorimbo’s inspiring journey caught the attention of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who, impressed by his perseverance, gifted him a house in 2023.
The two share a close friendship, with “The Rock” supporting Gorimbo in his fights and wishing him well on social media.
Philanthropy work in Zimbabwe
Despite facing personal hardships, Gorimbo remains committed to giving back.
After winning UFC Vegas 73, he auctioned his fight kit to fund a bush pump, providing clean water to his village in Zimbabwe.
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Controversy with SRC in Zimbabwe
In May 2023, Gorimbo alleged that the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) refused him permission to wear Zimbabwean national colours for a match.
The SRC, in response, conducted an investigation, stating that Gorimbo’s request was belated, initiated only three days before the match, and lacked proper channels.
References
- ZimProfiles – Themba Gorimbo Biography
- Published by ZimProfiles on [Date]
- UFC Fight Night 235: Gorimbo starches Rodriguez in 32 seconds
- Published by MMA Junkie on [Date]
- Instagram Post – Themba Gorimbo
- Posted by Themba Gorimbo on [Date]
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