Zimbabwean UFC Fighter Themba Gorimbo Announces Retirement from MMA
Hope
Zimbabwean mixed martial arts star Themba Gorimbo has announced his retirement from professional MMA following a difficult run of results in the UFC, bringing an emotional end to his fighting career at the highest level.
The 35-year-old welterweight confirmed his decision in a heartfelt statement shared on social media, marking the end of a remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe to competing on the global UFC stage.
“Thank you to UFC and everyone. I dared to be someone and something and failed,” Gorimbo wrote on Instagram.
“Gave all I can in the sport and I am walking away from the sport. My dream was to be a UFC champion and if I cannot be that I am going to walk away from the sport. It’s not easy but I’ve tried.”
Gorimbo also suggested that while his fighting career is over, he may still remain involved in MMA in a different role in the future.
“Maybe I will make a comeback as a coach or manager someday but for now the focus will be my family. Thank you to everyone I’ve met on the journey and everyone who has helped me along the journey. I am officially retired from MMA as an athlete.”
Gorimbo’s story became one of the most inspirational in combat sports after joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2023, overcoming significant personal and financial struggles to reach the sport’s biggest stage.
After losing his UFC debut to A.J. Fletcher, Gorimbo captured global attention when he revealed he had just US$7 in his bank account before later securing his first UFC victory.
His journey of resilience continued when he pledged to auction his fight gear to help fund a water project in Zimbabwe, a gesture that attracted international admiration.
Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson later surprised Gorimbo by buying him a house in Florida after learning about his living conditions at the time.
That support appeared to spark a strong turnaround, as Gorimbo went on to record a four-fight winning streak inside the UFC.
However, his momentum faded in 2024 following a series of defeats, including a first-round submission loss to Vicente Luque at UFC 310 and back-to-back setbacks that followed.
The losing streak ultimately led to his decision to step away from professional competition.
Gorimbo retires with a professional MMA record of 14 wins and seven losses, including a 4-4 record in the UFC.
Beyond his achievements in the octagon, he leaves behind a powerful legacy defined by resilience, determination, and inspiration for many young athletes in Zimbabwe and beyond.