Janice R. Andrews
Zimbabwean MMA star Themba Gorimbo recently shared a surprising and emotional revelation—his family celebrated his defeat at UFC 310.
The 33-year-old fighter, who gained global attention in 2023 when WWE icon Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gifted him a house, suffered a swift and shocking loss to Vicente Luque in a welterweight bout on December 7. This marked Gorimbo’s first defeat following an impressive four-fight winning streak.
A Painful Defeat at UFC 310
Gorimbo’s highly anticipated fight against Luque in Las Vegas ended abruptly in just 52 seconds. The Brazilian fighter, considered the underdog, secured victory with an anaconda choke.
Despite the loss, Gorimbo’s record (14-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) remains impressive. His previous victories against fighters like Takashi Sato, Pete Rodriguez, Ramiz Brahimaj, and Niko Price highlighted his skill and determination.
For Luque, this victory was especially meaningful. His career had nearly ended years earlier due to a severe brain injury, making his comeback against Gorimbo all the more remarkable.
Family’s Reaction Adds to the Pain
While losing the fight was difficult, Gorimbo revealed that his family’s reaction to his defeat made it even harder to endure. Speaking on The Pivot Podcast, Gorimbo shared how some of his cousins celebrated his loss, even sending him a video of their joy.
“Some of my cousins were celebrating my loss,” Gorimbo said. “They filmed themselves in Danun, a small slum we lived in 15 years ago, laughing and rejoicing. Watching that video was deeply hurtful.”
Despite this setback, Gorimbo remains focused on helping others. He expressed frustration over misconceptions about his financial status, explaining that while he aspires to give back, he isn’t a millionaire. “People think because I’m in the UFC, I’m rich. I’m not—at least not yet. But I’m working toward it,” he said.
A Life-Changing Gift from The Rock
Gorimbo first captured worldwide attention in August 2023 when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson surprised him with a new home in Miami. The heartfelt gesture was inspired by Gorimbo’s story of overcoming adversity, including being orphaned as a child and working as a blood diamond smuggler during his youth.
Both Gorimbo and The Rock share a strikingly similar backstory—each had just $7 in their accounts at pivotal moments in their lives. Their connection, forged through resilience, left a lasting impact on Gorimbo.
“For me to be in the ‘seven bucks’ position too is extraordinary,” Gorimbo said. “It’s as though fate brought us together. The Rock’s help has been life-changing.”
Captured on video, the emotional moment showed Gorimbo overwhelmed with gratitude as he embraced The Rock, who praised him for his strength and perseverance.
Focused on a Comeback
Despite his recent challenges, Gorimbo is determined to return stronger in 2025. His commitment to both his MMA career and his vision of giving back to his community remains unwavering.
Gorimbo’s story is a testament to resilience, proving that even in the face of personal and professional setbacks, it’s possible to rise again.
