Themba Gorimbo, a Zimbabwean welterweight and former EFC champion, announced his retirement from MMA after losing his third consecutive UFC fight at UFC Perth on May 2. He joined the UFC in 2023, initially losing his debut, then winning four straight bouts, including a first UFC win over Takashi Sato. After revealing he had only $7 in his bank account, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has an ownership stake in TKO Group Holdings, gifted him a house. Gorimbo later recorded wins over Ramiz Brahimaj, Pete Rodriguez, and Niko Price before a current losing skid. He thanked the UFC and supporters, said he would consider coaching or management later, and emphasized family as his priority.
"Writing on social media, Gorimbo thanked the UFC and his supporters, stating that "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.""
""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 from MMA as an athlete.""
"Gorimbo (14-7) made a splash upon his arrival to the company in 2023, winning four straight fights after losing his debut. After his first UFC victory, against Takashi Sato in May of 2023, Gorimbo famously revealed that he had just $7 in his bank account. That statement drew the attention of actor and WWE star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who holds an ownership stake in TKO Group Holdings, current parent company of the UFC."
""5 years old (16 years in the sport ) one chapter ends and next chapter starts. Honestly I feel some sort of relief. Going into my last fight I made sure I lived out life to the fullest during fight week because something said I should because it could be the last time," Gorimbo recalled. "I have no regrets and honestly right after the fight I""
Read at Cageside Press
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