Eight-fight UFC vet issues retirement after recent loss: 'I dared to be someone'

Temba Gorimbo announced his retirement from MMA after his most recent UFC loss to Jonathan Micallef. He said his dream was to become a UFC champion and that if he could not achieve that goal, he would walk away from the sport. Gorimbo thanked the UFC and the people who supported him throughout his career. He also left open the possibility of returning in a non-fighting role such as coaching or management. He emphasized that his current focus would be his family. Earlier, he had spoken publicly about being broke with only $7.49 in his bank account, which led Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to help him by buying him a house in Miami.

"“Thank you to [the] UFC and everyone,” Gorimbo wrote. “I dared to be someone and something and failed. Gave all I can in the sport and I am walking away from the sport. My dream was to be a UFC champion and if I cannot be that I am going to walk away from the sport. It's not easy but I've tried.”"

"He continued, not entirely closing the door on MMA as a whole, “Maybe I will make a comeback as a coach or manager someday but for now the focus will be my family. Thank you to everyone I've met on the journey and everyone who has helped me along the journey. I am officially retired as from MMA as an athlete. Thank you all.”"

"Surprising fans and media with a sudden announcement on Thursday, UFC welterweight Themba Gorimbo (14-7) has decided to hang up his gloves. The Zimbabwe-born Gorimbo last competed mere weeks ago, dropping a split call to Jonathan Micallef to lose his third straight. Posting on Instagram giving his thanks to supporters and farewell to the sport, Gorimbo declared that if he could not be a champion, he would not continue."

"Gorimbo made waves in the community by declaring after his first UFC victory-a decision over Takashi Sato in 2023-that he was flat broke, with a mere $7.49 in his bank account. This garnered the attention of pro wrestling superstar-turned-actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who explained that hearing Gorimbo's story reminded him of his own difficulties coming up as an athlete, right down to seven-dollar similarity. Johnson surprised Gorimbo by purchasing him a house in Miami, which allowed Gorimbo to sleep somewhere other than his gym of MMA Masters."

Read at Sherdog