VIDEO: UFC star says his family members celebrated his loss because he didn't send them dollars
Zimbabwean UFC welterweight Themba Gorimbo, known for his inspiring journey from the blood diamond mines to the global MMA stage, recently shared his struggles with familial criticism and lack of support following a recent defeat.
Gorimbo, who gained international attention for his perseverance and resilience, faced a quick one-minute loss to Vicente Luque at UFC 310, snapping his four-fight winning streak. However, the disappointment of the defeat was compounded by reactions from some of his own family members.
In an emotional conversation on the Pivot Podcast, Gorimbo revealed that some of his cousins celebrated his loss, a betrayal that left him deeply hurt.
“When I go online, one of my cousins, he messaged me the day after I lost this last fight,” Gorimbo recounted. “Some of my cousins were celebrating my loss. They were all celebrating my loss. And he sent me a video of them in a place where we were 15 years ago, this small circle in Danone where it’s a slum. And these cousins of mine were celebrating my loss.”
Zimbabwean UFC welterweight Themba Gorimbo
Burden of expectations
Gorimbo also spoke about the immense pressure he faces from those around him, with many assuming that his UFC career has made him wealthy.
“People will message me and say, ‘Can you give me $5000.’ Where will I get [that]? People think that I’m in the UFC and I’m a millionaire. I’m not! Maybe one day I will be. But it’s the reality that I’m not and I cannot afford to do that. Now imagine if you have 20 people coming to you and saying the same stuff.”
Despite his challenges, Gorimbo has used his platform to give back to his community, including initiatives like building wells. However, even his charitable efforts have been met with criticism.
“I might not directly help you, but maybe I want to build a well for the community. Then one person gets angry, ‘Why did you build the well close to this guy’s house and not this person’s house?’”
Past struggles with support
This isn’t the first time Gorimbo has opened up about feeling unsupported. After losing his UFC debut, he described the reaction upon returning home: “When I got home, everybody [looked at me] like a guy that was smelling like s—t ... some of them are called my friends, even my own brother, man.”
In another interview, Gorimbo revealed how his financial resources are stretched thin by running a gym in South Africa. “Everybody is just taking, taking, taking. I’m putting, putting, putting, you know?” he said.
While Gorimbo continues to battle both in the octagon and with the pressures outside it, he remains determined to achieve success and prove his doubters wrong. Supported by global figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who publicly praised Gorimbo’s inspiring story, the Zimbabwean fighter is focused on turning setbacks into comebacks.
As Gorimbo works to balance his career and personal challenges, his story is a stark reminder of the burdens that come with rising to the top, particularly when those closest to you fail to celebrate your victories or support you in defeat.
Watch the video below;
Themba Gorimbo says his Cousins were celebrating his last loss in the UFC
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