Themba Gorimbo’s journey from the perilous diamond mines of Zimbabwe to the global stage of the UFC is a tale of resilience, determination, and transformation.
At 33, Gorimbo has navigated a life marked by profound adversity, emerging as both a formidable fighter and a beacon of hope for many.
Gorimbo’s life has always been a fight against the odds. By the age of 13, he was orphaned and left to fend for himself. In the face of limited opportunities, Gorimbo turned to the notorious Marange diamond fields, a hotbed of violence and crime.
“It’s a typical diamond place, there is death in there, there are gangsters there,” Gorimbo recalled. “In Zimbabwe, any place where there are minerals is going to bring bad people. I’m not shy to say I was stealing diamonds and smuggling them. It was normal then.”
The dangers he faced were not only from criminals but also from law enforcement. Gorimbo regularly clashed with the police and bore the physical scars from dog attacks on his arms and torso. Despite the constant peril, his survival instinct and resilience never wavered.
At 17, Gorimbo’s life took a potential turn when he found a 12-carat diamond. He used this opportunity to move to South Africa, hoping to secure a job as a gardener. However, the road was fraught with obstacles.
“I made my way to South Africa and had a couple of hiccups,” Gorimbo said.
“I got deported once, and the next day I was back in South Africa doing my thing. I was kept hostage by the guy that brought me back the second time for two weeks because my cousins wouldn’t pay the money that the guy was asking for.”
Despite these challenges, Gorimbo’s indomitable spirit prevailed. His experiences, though harrowing, forged a mentally tough individual destined for greatness. It was in South Africa that he discovered mixed martial arts (MMA) after watching the film “Never Back Down.”
Gorimbo began his training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gym in Cape Town and eventually found a home at Panther Fighting Arts. Even as he faced financial hardship, his passion for MMA kept him going. He worked hard to afford his training, making significant sacrifices to pursue his dream.
“I was paying 150 rand (£6.42) for the first month, but it was a lot of money for me because I was only earning 80 rand (£3.43) a day,” Gorimbo said.
“It was very tough, but I had to make that sacrifice because I really wanted to become an MMA fighter. The coach eventually felt sorry for me, and I didn’t have to pay. It was a blessing.”
Gorimbo’s perseverance paid off. He had his first amateur fight in 2010 and turned professional in 2013. However, his UFC debut in February 2023 was a setback, as he lost by submission to AJ Fletcher.
Determined to succeed, Gorimbo returned to the octagon three months later to face Takashi Sato. Despite being ill and financially strained, he secured a unanimous decision win.
“I woke up sick that day and had $87 (£69.50) in my bank account and I had to buy medicine,” Gorimbo said.
“I double-clicked by accident, and it went to $7.49 (£5.98) in my bank account. I thought, ‘Damn, I need to go and fight hard tonight.’ I had flu, but I couldn’t pull out of the fight because I needed the money – I was broke.”
This moment caught the attention of WWE superstar and actor Dwayne Johnson, known as The Rock. Johnson, who founded Seven Bucks Productions, was inspired by Gorimbo’s story. He made a surprise visit in August, gifting Gorimbo a house in Miami, Florida.
“I was going home to do a project where I was building a water well in my village,” Gorimbo said. “He could have just sponsored me, but to get me a house, where I’m staying right now, and to be here, I think there is a bigger picture and reason.”
Now, as Gorimbo prepares for his fourth UFC fight against Ramiz Brahimaj on May 18 in Las Vegas, his focus remains clear. Beyond striving to become a UFC champion, he aims to inspire other African children facing similar struggles.
His journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that “if you choose a path and work your ass off, then you can become anything.”
Gorimbo’s story is a compelling narrative of transformation, highlighting how adversity can be the crucible in which greatness is forged.
His remarkable journey from the diamond mines to the UFC octagon is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and the transformative power of hope and determination.
Photo: X, BBC
Story: BBC
