UFC star Themba Gorimbo’s life story is a tale of resilience and survival, a journey that seems straight out of a movie script. As he prepares to fight Vicente Luque at UFC 310, his life story inspires awe and admiration amongst fans. Home of Fight takes a deeper dive into the life of Gorimbo:

Humble Beginnings, Tragedy, & Escape

Gorimbo was born into a poor family in Zimbabwe. At the age of 12, he lost his mother, and just a year later, his father passed away too. Left orphaned in Africa, Gorimbo was cared for by his older cousin while he himself took responsibility for his younger brother.

At age 16, Gorimbo began working in illegal diamond mines, often risking his life in the dangerous trade. The mines, known for their brutality, claimed many lives while Gorimbo was present. One fateful day in the mines, local authorities unjustly sent five German Shepherds after Gorimbo. Despite suffering severe injuries and scars from the dog attack, he miraculously survived and fled Zimbabwe.

At age 17, Gorimbo attempted to migrate to South Africa, seeking a better life. The river crossing was treacherous, claiming the lives of many migrants due to hunger and exhaustion. Although he initially made it across the river, border officials eventually caught him and deported him back to Zimbabwe. Undeterred, just two hours later on the same day, Gorimbo tried again. This time, his migrant group was ambushed by bandits who attacked and killed many of them. Gorimbo survived by fainting during the attack. Upon awakening, he was eventually able to cross the border.

In Johannesburg, Gorimbo distributed flyers to earn meager wages, barely affording basic meals. Saving whatever he could, he eventually moved to Cape Town, where he took on various jobs including gardening, painting, and security. Some days, he worked up to 18 hours non-stop.

Fighting & Never Looking Back

At age 19, Gorimbo watched the movie Never Back Down, sparking his dream & aspirations of becoming a fighter. Three years later, at age 22, Gorimbo debuted in MMA, starting a journey fueled by sheer determination.

In late 2022, Gorimbo flew to the United States with his last savings, arriving with no money. A friend sent him $200, and he found refuge at MMA Masters gym, sleeping on an empty couch. Colby Covington supported him by providing food and training alongside him. In May 2023, Gorimbo earned his first UFC victory, revealing in his post-fight interview that he had just $7 in his account and was homeless.

Themba Gorimbo Today

Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was moved by Gorimbo’s story and purchased a house for Gorimbo and his family.

With his fight earnings, Gorimbo opened a gym in South Africa, started constructing a solar-powered library in Zimbabwe for children, and began drilling water wells in his homeland. Fighters like Marlon Vera and philanthropist John Rogovean have also contributed to his projects, further helping Gorimbo give back to his less fortunate upbringing.

At 33 years old, Themba Gorimbo boasts a 4-1 record and faces Vicente Luque this weekend at UFC 310. His story of perseverance and kindness has made him a fan favorite. Cheering against him seems almost impossible.

This is not just a fight for Gorimbo; it’s yet another chapter in an extraordinary life story.

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