Themba Gorimbo, a mixed martial artist from Zimbabwe, 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.
Biography profile of Themba Gorimbo
Full name : Themba Lawrence Gorimbo
Gender : Male
Age : 32 years old
Date of birth : 23 January 1991
Place of birth : Masvingo, South Africa
Nationality : Zimbabwean
Occupation : Mixed Martial Artist
Religion : Christian
Height : 1.85m
Weight : 77kg
Early life
In the settlement of Bikita in the eastern part of Zimbabwe, Themba Gorimbo was born on January 23, 1991. He lost his mother when he was nine years old, followed by his father four years later. He was left to fend for himself and his siblings by engaging in illicit Marange diamond mining in the fields.
He was mauled by German shepherds and had scars all over his body when he was found by the police one night. Before opting to restart, he merely managed to go through the ordeal. After the close call with death, Gorimbo made the decision to flee Zimbabwe in 2008 and make an unauthorised camp in South Africa. His age was seventeen. As fate would have it, Gorimbo was detained by immigration officials and sent home since he did not have a passport.
On the way back, he insisted on getting off the bus at the first stop in Zimbabwe. Three hours later, he had illegally re-entered South Africa. Once he had crossed the border, Gorimbo encountered the worst of it. Gorimbo decided to turn himself in to the police when he regained consciousness. They departed for Johannesburg even though one of the others had demoralised him.
The UFC fighter, who was homeless, handed out flyers daily for R20 in order to buy bread and a drink. Fortunately, he was able to accumulate enough cash to visit his cousins in Cape Town. He worked as a security guard, painter, and gardener in Cape Town. In 2010, Gorimbo, who was 19 at the time, watched the film Never Back Down. His life was never the same again.
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Martial Arts Journey of Themba Gorimbo
He joined a neighbouring gym and started learning karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. He developed a passion for grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu as well. He took home multiple medals and prizes after competing in a variety of events. He was known as “The Answer” because he was always able to resolve any problem that occurred in the cage.
Themba Gorimbo, EFC Champion and UFC Fighter
Gorimbo made his MMA debut in 2010 as a professional. He had amassed a 10-3 record by the time he joined with the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) in 2018. He won the EFC welterweight title by submitting Luke Michael in his second match with the company. him order to maintain his championship, he fought Jose Da Rocha and Lyle Karam twice. This resulted him a deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for 2022.
The first Zimbabwean to triumph in a UFC match was Gorimbo, who defeated Takashi Sato by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 73 on May 20, 2023. Prior to the fight, he had only $7.49 in his bank account, and he acknowledged that he had to spend the night on a couch at the gym owing to a lack of money and training facilities. He also offered his combat gear for sale online. He used the money to build a jungle pump that now provides his Zimbabwean town with access to clean water.
Recognition and Inspiration
Gorimbo’s story of overcoming hardship and giving back to his community has touched the hearts of many people all around the world. Celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson complimented Gorimbo, saying in a video on Instagram that Gorimbo’s fortitude and kindness had inspired him. Colby Covington, who may later compete for the UFC welterweight title, was one of his training partners who gave him encouragement.
Gorimbo, who has an 11-4 record, is currently the UFC’s 15th-ranked welterweight. He is regarded as one of the best fighters in Africa and provides motivation for aspiring MMA competitors in Zimbabwe. He is also a modest and generous person who values his community and family. He has said that he would rather be adored for who he truly is than for what he pretends to be.
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Individuality of Gorimbo
He is married, and he and his wife have children. About his family, not much is currently known. Gorimbo fights for his family because he cares about them.
