Summary
The Rock and Themba Gorimbo training. Photo: Instagram/thembagorimbo
Themba Gorimbo 's MMA career has come to an end . The Zimbabwean, who partnered with Dwayne Johnson, known worldwide as The Rock, fought for the last time in the UFC in May, in Australia, and suffered his third consecutive defeat. And, it seems, the athlete felt the weight of the negative record.
So much so that, on his official Instagram account, Gorimbo lamented not having reached the top of the sport. Like every fighter, the veteran dreamed of becoming a champion, but in his case, he didn't even manage to establish himself in the top 15 of the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). It's even possible to say that the highlight of the Zimbabwean's career was his interaction with the Hollywood star. This is because, at the beginning of his UFC career, Themba revealed that he had seven dollars (approximately R$ 36 at the current exchange rate) in his account and that he lived in the back of the gym where he trained.
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Moved by the athlete's story of overcoming adversity, The Rock gifted him a house. With the support of the movie star and WWE, and the affection of his fans, the veteran managed to string together four victories, but saw his career falter with a series of losses to Vicente Luque , Jeremiah Wells , and Jonathan Micallef . Nevertheless, despite his self-disappointment, Themba expressed his gratitude, especially to the UFC and The Rock.
Gorimbo Fighters in MMA
Themba Gorimbo , 35, began his MMA career in 2013, debuted in the UFC in 2023, and retired in 2026. In the sport, the Zimbabwean built a record of 14 wins and seven losses.
Retirement announcement
“Thank you to the UFC and everyone. I dared to be someone and something, and I failed. I gave my all to the sport and I'm retiring. My dream was to be a UFC champion and, if I can't achieve it, I'm going to retire. It's not easy, but I tried. Maybe I'll come back as a coach or manager someday, but for now, the focus will be on my family,” the now former fighter wrote on his official Instagram account.
“Thank you to everyone I met on this journey and to everyone who helped me along the way. I am officially retired from MMA as an athlete. 35 years (16 years in the sport), one chapter ends and the next begins. Honestly, I feel a certain relief. Three days after the fight, I sent an email to Sean Shelby thanking him for the opportunity to bring me to the UFC.”
“Whatever decision he made, I would be at peace, because this sport is about victories and performances, and I wasn’t able to do that. Sean Shelby put me in the UFC, and I’m grateful that one of my dreams has come true. I want to thank everyone I’ve met on this journey. To my friend The Rock and his team, thank you for everything.”
“The American dream wouldn’t have happened without you. God is always by my side. He is the author of my story and always inspires me. I shouldn’t even be here, but I made it. Fighting is the least of my talents, and as sad as it is, I am grateful for it,” he concluded.
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