LAS VEGAS – Heading into UFC 310, it’s not lost on Themba Gorimbo how fortunate he is.
Gorimbo is replacing Nick Diaz on late notice to fight Vicente Luque on the prelims of Saturday’s event at T-Mobile Arena (pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+). It’s one of those fights where Gorimbo, who isn’t ranked, has a golden opportunity to take the spot of a perennial contender in Luque, who’s No. 14 in the official UFC welterweight rankings.
Gorimbo can’t wait to have his moment, which he believes will be the first step in propelling him to his ultimate goal of winning a UFC title.
“It’s a blessing to be here,” Gorimbo said Wednesday at UFC 310 media day. “I manifested this through words and action. Here I am, man. I was not the backup (for Luque vs. Diaz). I was just manifesting that I would be here. When Diaz pulled out, they had options. But the last man standing was Themba Gorimbo. I’m here now, and Saturday I will be a ranked fighter. Finally in my career, I am working toward something that I have always wanted. That is to be the UFC welterweight champion.
“I’m grateful for Luque. Honestly because, you know what, he doesn’t have to fight me. He didn’t need to fight me. There’s nothing for him in this fight, but he has to fight me on Saturday, and I have to go out there and win. I’m going to win. I’m thankful he’s giving me the opportunity to be a ranked fighter.”
Gorimbo, who’s on a four-fight winning streak, is looking to claim his fourth victory of the year and believes he can beat Luque everywhere.
“I respect Luque, man,” Gorimbo said. “I respect him, and I respect what he has done. Just unfortunately we have to fight, and I’m going to win.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.
