Themba Gorimbo became one of the UFC’s most recognizable underdog stories after rising from poverty in Zimbabwe to competing inside the Octagon.
Known for his perseverance, emotional interviews, and connection with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Gorimbo built a reputation as one of MMA’s most inspirational figures during his UFC run.
Themba Gorimbo’s Age, Height and Weight Class
| Stats | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Themba Takura Lawrence Gorimbo |
| Nickname | Mamba |
| Record | 14-7-0 |
| Birthday | January 23, 1991 |
| Height | 6’1” (185 cm) |
| Reach | 77” (196 cm) |
| Weight Class | Welterweight |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Fighting Out Of | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Team/Gym | MMA Masters |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Fighting Style | MMA / Grappling |
| Born | Bikita, Masvingo, Zimbabwe |
Where Is Themba Gorimbo From?
Gorimbo was born in Bikita.
Before becoming a professional fighter, he has spoken publicly about surviving major hardships growing up, including losing his parents early in life and working in gold mines as a teenager in Zimbabwe.
Those experiences later became a major part of his identity throughout his MMA career.
Themba Gorimbo’s MMA Record
Gorimbo retires from professional MMA with a 14-7 overall record.
Career Breakdown
- Wins: 14
- Losses: 7
- Submission Wins: 6
- TKO Wins: 2
- Decision Wins: 6
His UFC record ended at 4-4 between 2023 and 2026.
Themba Gorimbo’s UFC Career
Gorimbo joined the UFC in 2023 after competing in promotions including EFC Africa, Fury FC, and UAE Warriors.
Although he lost his UFC debut to A.J. Fletcher, Gorimbo quickly rebounded and built momentum with wins over:
- Takashi Sato
- Pete Rodriguez
- Ramiz Brahimaj
- Niko Price
One of his most notable finishes came against Pete Rodriguez, whom he stopped in just 32 seconds.
Why Did Themba Gorimbo Become Famous?
Gorimbo’s popularity grew rapidly after revealing he only had $7.49 in his bank account before one of his UFC fights.
The story caught the attention of Dwayne Johnson, who said the situation reminded him of his own struggles before fame.
Johnson later surprised Gorimbo by gifting him a home in Miami, creating one of the most emotional viral moments in MMA social media during 2023.
Themba Gorimbo’s Final UFC Fights
After his four-fight winning streak, Gorimbo lost his final three UFC bouts against:
- Vicente Luque
- Jeremiah Wells
- Jonathan Micallef
Following the loss to Micallef in May 2026, Gorimbo officially announced his retirement from MMA competition.
What Made Themba Gorimbo Different?
For many fans, Gorimbo represented perseverance more than hype.
His story connected with people because of the honesty surrounding his struggles, family sacrifices, and determination to build a better life through fighting.
Even without becoming a UFC champion, Gorimbo’s journey from Zimbabwe to the UFC inspired many across the combat sports world.
