Themba Gorimbo had just $7 to his name heading into his latest fight, but the Zimbabwean's gamble paid off as he kick-started his UFC career with an impressive win.
Gorimbo, 32, has enjoyed a huge spike in popularity since winning a unanimous decision against Takashi Sato last month. 'The Answer' was tapped out by AJ Fletcher when he made his UFC debut in February, but was able to bounce back and make the necessary adjustments to beat Sato in Las Vegas.
It was a much-needed win for Gorimbo, whose inspirational story has since caught the attention of celebrities such as Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. "Coming off a loss, it was a tough ride. If you are signed to a UFC contract like me, you are on $10,000 [to show] and $10,000 [to win]. You have to pay 30 per cent tax and 10 per cent to your manager. I had $2,000 deductions in flights and money also taken for the hotels, so if you lose you really go home with nothing," Gorimbo told Mirror Fighting .
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Gorimbo, who was born in Zimbabwe but immigrated to South Africa as a teenager, had a tough upbringing with both of his parents passing away before he was just 14. Gorimbo is now living in Miami after reaching out to MMA Masters coach Daniel Valverde and the fighter has even set up shop by sleeping on the mats in the gym.
Life in Miami is a far cry from his early days, as Gorimbo almost died after being bitten by dogs whilst working on diamond fields. "I've seen crazy stuff at a very young age, people dying in front of me. When I worked on the diamond fields the police used to shoot live bullets at people. Even people within the community who were smuggling the diamonds used to kill each other," he added.
"That environment changed my mind about life and I think my toughness is from that. Fighting is like nothing for me. I obviously get nervous for fights, but it's not something that feels a do or die situation. I fight because it's the only thing I am good at. It's the only thing that can change my life and the lives of people around me."
In Gorimbo's mind, the welterweight has already made it in life after overcoming his rough upbringing to sign for the UFC. 'The Answer' is not getting complacent, as he has a point to prove to himself and those who have supported him. Gorimbo wants to become the first Zimbabwean fighter to win a UFC world title, something he thinks he will achieve by the end of 2024.
