Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Themba Gorimbo has been given permission by Zimbabwe’s sports regulatory body, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to use the country’s colours in his fights.
This development brings to an end an episode where Gorimbo used South African colours in his historic maiden UFC win over Japan’s Takashi Sato at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas last year.
Gorimbo revealed after the fight that he had been frustrated by the Ministry of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture in his quest to get permission to use Zimbabwean colours.
In its defence the SRC claimed that Gorimbo was not registered with the Zimbabwe Mixed Martial Arts Association.
They also argued that he had sought the blessings of the Zimbabwean authorities on the eve of his match which made it impossible for the process to be executed on time.
I am truly grateful and happy my voice been heard and i get to have my country flag on my fight kit going forward.
This is big. As an athlete in @ufc it feels good to see your country’s flag on your gear.This is part of the story & history.
Thank you to everyone who played part. pic.twitter.com/U1txojxPPM— Themba T L Gorimbo (@TheAnswerMMA) April 11, 2024
The former Zimbabwe Sportsperson of the Year attached the letter of approval from the SRC in a post on his X formerly Twitter handle where he was expressing his delight on Friday.
“As an athlete in the UFC this feels good to see your country’s flag on your gear. This is part of the story and history. Thank you to everyone who played a part. I am going to continue making history for myself, my people and everyone who truly supports me from their heart. May 18th 2024 I am going to win and inspire you more and more. I am happy,”Gorimbo said.
In February this year Gorimbo and the SRC appeared to be on a collision course after he criticised the country’s Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry describing her as the worst Sports Minister ever and blamed her for the poor state of sports in the country.
SRC came out in defence of the Sports Minister and vowed to contact Gorimbo and his management in order to ensure that no such misunderstanding occurs in future.
In their letter of approval the SRC highlighted that it was minister Coventry who had authorised Gorimbo to be granted his wish to wear the Zimbabwean colours in his fights.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission is pleased to advise that the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon. Kirsty Coventry, has authorized you to wear the national colours of Zimbabwe during Mixed Martial Arts competitions and related events,” the SRC said in a letter written by chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa.
“The approved colours are as presented in your application, above. Kindly note that any change in the kit will require our prior approval,” he added.
Gorimbo started the year with a win over replacement opponent Pete Rodriguez via knockout in 32 seconds at UFC Vegas 85 in February is set for his fourth fight in the money spinning combat sport franchise against American Ramiz Brahimaj at UFC Fight Night event on May 18, 2024.
The Zimbabwean has two wins and one loss so far in the UFC.