Oh boy, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has been a wild ride for Themba Gorimbo. It’s like being on the world’s craziest rollercoaster, but you’re blindfolded. You never know what’s coming next.
This weekend, Gorimbo’s stepping into the octagon against Ramiz Brahimaj at UFC Fight Night 241. It’s happening in Vegas, baby. The city of lights, fights, and, if you’re not careful, frights. Gorimbo’s been prepping hard, with a little help from his wrestling coach from South Africa. Despite the coach’s mom battling cancer back home, he’s been in the U.S., giving it his all for eight weeks.
Talk about a gut punch, though. Right before media day, his coach’s mom passed away. Can you imagine? Gorimbo’s response? He’s determined to win. For his coach. “All I know is I’m going to win in spectacular fashion for my coach,” he said. His coach’s sacrifice hasn’t gone unnoticed, and now, Gorimbo’s fighting with a purpose.
Gorimbo’s backstory? It’s like something out of a movie. Orphaned at 13, he was smuggling blood diamonds in Zimbabwe. Then he bolts to South Africa and stumbles into MMA. Fast forward, and he’s in the UFC, but it’s been no cakewalk. After beating Takashi Sato in May 2023, he had a whopping $7 in his bank account. Talk about cutting it close.
Enter Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Yeah, the WWE legend and Hollywood star. He hears Gorimbo’s story and buys him a house. From sleeping on a gym couch to having a place to call home, courtesy of The Rock. Suddenly, Gorimbo’s in the spotlight, but not just for his fighting skills.
Gorimbo’s got something to say about that. “I didn’t get here in the UFC with hype,” he insists. It was all blood, sweat, and tears. Sure, The Rock’s gesture was a game-changer, but Gorimbo wants folks to remember why he’s here. It’s about the fight, not the fame.
Even his upcoming opponent, Brahimaj, threw some shade about The Rock. But Gorimbo’s not fazed. He’s here to fight, hungry for success. He knows his purpose is bigger than any fame or fortune. It’s about proving himself in the octagon, where it really counts.