“I Came From the Gutters of Africa” – Dwayne Johnson Sponsored Themba Gorimbo Demands More African Representation in UFC

The UFC has ͏many stories ͏o͏f fighters wh͏o g͏a͏͏ve up everythin͏g to pursu͏e ͏their dr͏eams, and the promotion has ͏rewarded them ͏richly for ͏their dedication. Themba Gorimbo’s st͏o͏͏ry is a p͏͏rime͏ example of thi͏s. Despite t͏he challenges he fac͏ed, Gorimbo never waver͏ed i͏n his c͏ommitm͏ent to͏ training. ͏His jo͏urney is a ͏rollercoas͏ter ride ͏that ins͏pir͏es ever͏yone w͏h͏o͏ strives ͏for ͏gr͏e͏at͏n͏ess.

The story of the fighter is no less than any Hollywood story. With a record of 13 victories and 4 losses, Gorimbo promises to have a superb career in the UFC. Nonetheless, ‘Answer’ believes that the story of his journey might be a catalyst for the new generation in Africa to chase their dreams. Let us see what the welterweight prospect has said about his journey.

Themba Gorimbo wants more representation of Africa in the UFC

The continent of Africa has produced some of the biggest fighters in the UFC. However, according to Gorimbo, this is not enough. The welterweight fighter believes that Africa has much more talent to offer and that the children of the continent can learn from his story of rising from being a laborer in diamond mines to becoming a star in the UFC.

While in conversation with the media at the UFCVegas92, Gorimbo spoke about his struggle and urged his fellow Africans to follow his path if they ever feel hopeless, “I worked my ass off to be here. I sacrificed to be here in the UFC. So, if an African child can maybe take a page out of my story to try and make it here, I’m the perfect guy to ask,” said Gorimbo.

He further emphasized, “If you listen to me and try to do what I do, you might land in the UFC. I think I need to do that to inspire the African kids.I respect the guys that came before me: Izzy, Kamaru, Ngannou, Dricus. I respect that. When it comes to the guy that came, I actually relate a lot more than anything. You know, I come from the gutters of Africa.”

Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, Dricus Du Plessis, and Francis Ngannou have two things in common: their shared roots in the African continent and their achievements as champions. Gorimbo emphasized people back in his continent should follow the paths of these great individuals if they want to achieve greatness. However, he further explained that unlike them he came from the gutters of Africa. So what is the story of Gorimbo? Let us find out.

‘Answer’ journey from rags to riches

Themba Gorimbo’s working career started very early when he lost both of his parents when he was just 13. Leaving himself to fend for himself. This forced him to work in the diamond mines. Nonetheless, Gorimbo was not satisfied with what his life was becoming. With optimism in his eyes ‘Answer’ set sail for South Africa with the thought that he would be getting a job there but his unfortunate followed him as he was deported the very next day.

Nonetheless, his ordeal didn’t end there as he was held hostage by the smugglers as his cousin was unable to pay the fees for bringing him to South Africa. In multiple interviews, Gorimbo has emphasized that his struggles have shaped him into the person he is today and he will not trade them for anything. Gorimbo found his love for MMA in South Africa when he witnessed the film ‘Never Back Down’

After watching the movie, Gorimbo understood that he had to get into MMA and then his journey started. He made Panther Fighting Arts in Cape town as his second home apart from Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, what are your thoughts on his journey? State your opinion in the commenter below.