Zimbabwean mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Themba Gorimbo, achieved a quick victory in his recent match against Pete Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 235. Gorimbo knocked out Rodriguez in just 32 seconds, impressing fans and catching the attention of his friend, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Watch the video for more:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="357" id="video-270662-2" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/temba-go.mp4?_=2" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/temba-go.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/temba-go.mp4</a></video></div>
Gorimbo, who made his UFC debut in 2023, has gained a significant following within a year. After losing his first UFC fight, he bounced back with a decision win over Takashi Sato in May 2023. This performance not only attracted fans from around the world but also grabbed the attention of Dwayne Johnson. Gorimbo had revealed that he had only $7 in his bank account during that time, highlighting his struggle to succeed as an MMA fighter.
Inspired by Gorimbo’s story of growing up in poverty in Zimbabwe, Dwayne Johnson, a WWE star and actor, bought him a house in 2023. This act of kindness moved Gorimbo, who has since pledged to give back by working to provide clean drinking water infrastructure in Bikita, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, Africa.
Before Gorimbo’s recent fight, Dwayne Johnson took to social media to wish him well. Gorimbo has won two fights in a row and has a record of 2 wins and 1 loss in the Octagon. His dominant performance against Rodriguez has the potential to boost his ranking in the welterweight division.
Following his success at UFC Vegas 85, Gorimbo confidently called out undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov, expressing his ambition to vie for a UFC championship in 2024. With his remarkable skills and determination, Gorimbo aims to achieve great success in the MMA world, representing Zimbabwe on the international stage.
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Zimbabwean MMA Fighter Themba Gorimbo Impresses With Quick Victory At UFC Fight Night

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently met with Themba Gorimbo, a Zimbabwean UFC fighter whom he had <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/11/the-rock-offers-support-to-zimbabwean-ufc-fighter-gorimbo-after-7-49-bank-balance-revelation/">pledged to support financially</a> in June. Johnson posted a video on Instagram, stating that he was moved and motivated by Gorimbo’s story. Gorimbo had won his first UFC fight with only $7 in his bank account. After the fight, he sold his fight gear online and made $7,000, which he used to build a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">bush pump</a> to provide clean water to his village back in Zimbabwe. Johnson had offered to assist Gorimbo after learning of his financial struggles, and he flew to Miami to meet with him and offer his support.
Gorimbo went to America with limited funds and slept on a couch in the gym due to a lack of resources and training space. Despite his financial struggles, he received support from his training partners and went on to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/28/themba-gorimbo-made-history-as-first-zimbabwean-to-win-a-ufc-fight/">make history as the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight.</a> Johnson, who had experienced similar financial struggles in the past, empathized with Gorimbo’s situation and offered to help him. This story highlights the importance of perseverance and the impact that support from others can have on achieving one’s goals. In an Instagram post seen by Pindula News, the Rock said:
<blockquote>
We’ve never met but I had to fly to Miami to look this man @thembagorimbo_mma the eyes, hug him and shake his hand. I’ve been moved &amp; motivated by his story.
He recently won his first fight in the @UFC. He had $7 bucks in his bank account when he won. He sleeps on a couch in the gym.
After the fight, he sold his fight gear (trunks &amp; gloves) online and made $7,000. Instead of using the money to find a place to live, he built a bush pump so his village back in Zimbabwe can have clean water.
He never asked me for anything, but I just wanted to help the guy out. $7 Bucks ya know.
And I felt the MANA &amp; emotion in every hug.
Very good and very special day.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-261347" decoding="async" height="1345" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo.jpg 1080w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo-241x300.jpg 241w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo-822x1024.jpg 822w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo-768x956.jpg 768w" width="1080"/>
</blockquote>
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
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Gorimbo had <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/22/23732740/themba-gorimbo-only-had-7-in-bank-account-ahead-of-ufc-vegas-73-praises-great-guy-colby-covington">revealed that he had only US$7.49 in his bank account</a> ahead of UFC Vegas 73 win over Japanese Takashi Sato. Gorimbo said during his post-fight media scrum:
<blockquote>
I’ve been broke. I came to America seven weeks ago without money. I only had enough money to fly, get to the airport to the gym, stayed at the gym, and then a friend sent me $200.
It’s been a roller coaster. I didn’t have money, if you look at my bank account there’s $7 right now. In my bank account, there’s $7, and I have to enjoy this. I don’t know how much I’m getting paid. All I’ve been focused on for this fight was to get the win. The win was the most important thing, the money is the byproduct of getting the win.
</blockquote>
Gorimbo said he lacked a team and training space for his fight, so he resorted to sleeping on a couch in Miami’s MMA Masters gym. Despite financial struggles, he received support from his training partners, including Colby Covington, who may become the next challenger for the UFC welterweight title. Gorimbo praised Covington as a great man and expressed his commitment to continuing with his current team.
After the revelation, the Rock last month described the situation as “crazy” adding that it brought back many emotions and memories. He added:
<blockquote>
$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account. I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind. Got your back, brother. I’ll help. You got this. I’ll be in touch.
</blockquote>
Themba Gorimbo, a welterweight UFC fighter from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Bikita/">Bikita</a> in eastern Zimbabwe, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/28/themba-gorimbo-made-history-as-first-zimbabwean-to-win-a-ufc-fight/">made history</a> by becoming the first Zimbabwean to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) when he defeated Takashi Sato in May.
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WATCH: Zimbabwean UFC Fighter Gorimbo Meets The Rock

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has offered to support Zimbabwean UFC fighter, Themba Gorimbo, after he <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/22/23732740/themba-gorimbo-only-had-7-in-bank-account-ahead-of-ufc-vegas-73-praises-great-guy-colby-covington">revealed that he had only US$7.49 in his bank account</a> ahead of UFC Vegas 73 win over Japanese Takashi Sato. Gorimbo said during his post-fight media scrum:
<blockquote>
I’ve been broke. I came to America seven weeks ago without money. I only had enough money to fly, get to the airport to the gym, stayed at the gym, and then a friend sent me $200.
It’s been a roller coaster. I didn’t have money, if you look at my bank account there’s $7 right now. In my bank account, there’s $7, and I have to enjoy this. I don’t know how much I’m getting paid. All I’ve been focused on for this fight was to get the win. The win was the most important thing, the money is the byproduct of getting the win.
</blockquote>
Gorimbo said he lacked a team and training space for his fight, so he resorted to sleeping on a couch in Miami’s MMA Masters gym. Despite financial struggles, he received support from his training partners, including Colby Covington, who may become the next challenger for the UFC welterweight title. Gorimbo praised Covington as a great man and expressed his commitment to continuing with his current team.
After the revelation, Dwane Johnson, an American actor and retired wrestler described the situation as “crazy” adding that it brought back many emotions and memories. He added:
<blockquote>
$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account. I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind. Got your back, brother. I’ll help. You got this. I’ll be in touch.
</blockquote>
Themba Gorimbo, a welterweight UFC fighter from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Bikita/">Bikita</a> in eastern Zimbabwe, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/28/themba-gorimbo-made-history-as-first-zimbabwean-to-win-a-ufc-fight/">made history</a> by becoming the first Zimbabwean to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) when he defeated Takashi Sato last month.
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