By Zim Sport Live Writer
US-based mixed martial arts star Themba Gorimbo has announced his retirement from professional MMA following his third consecutive defeat in the UFC.
The 35-year-old welterweight confirmed his decision in an emotional statement posted on social media, bringing an end to a remarkable journey from hardship in Zimbabwe to competing on the biggest stage in mixed martial arts.
“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.”
The Zimbabwean fighter added that while his competitive career is over, he could still return to the sport in another capacity in 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 he joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster in 2023.
After losing his UFC debut to A.J. Fletcher, Gorimbo earned widespread admiration when he revealed he had just US$7 in his bank account before securing his first victory later that year.
Despite his financial struggles, the Zimbabwean pledged to auction his fight kit to help fund the construction of a water well in his home country.
His charitable efforts caught the attention of Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson, who surprised Gorimbo by buying him a house in Florida after learning he had been living in a gym.
The support appeared to inspire a turnaround in his UFC career as Gorimbo went on an impressive four-fight winning streak.
However, momentum shifted dramatically in 2024.
Gorimbo suffered a first-round submission defeat to Vicente Luque at UFC 310 before enduring two more losses, including a split-decision defeat against Jonathan Micallef at UFC Perth in May.
The losing streak ultimately convinced the Zimbabwean fighter to step away from the sport.
If this marks the end of his fighting career, Gorimbo retires with a professional MMA record of 14 wins and seven losses, including an even 4-4 run in the UFC.
Beyond his achievements inside the cage, Gorimbo leaves behind a legacy built on perseverance, resilience and inspiring countless young Zimbabwean athletes to dream big despite difficult circumstances.