The hype is rising for the upcoming welterweight fight between Themba Gorimbo and Ramiz Brahimaj. Gorimbo, also known as “The Answer,” enters this welterweight fight ranked  #64. Despite his current position, he possesses an incredible story, transitioning from Zimbabwe’s diamond mines to becoming a professional fighter in the octagon. This unique background and experience could prove to be a major advantage.

The story of the fighter, having a record of 12-4-0, is no less compelling than Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in ‘Blood Diamond’. This article will delve into his background and the struggles he faced before entering the octagon.

Where is Themba Gorimbo from?

The quote “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” perfectly embodies Gorimbo’s life. His journey from Zimbabwe’s diamond mines to the UFC is truly transcendent. His dedication extends beyond the octagon, as he actively helps those in need. He recently told BBC, “ My life has already changed tremendously”; highlighting the impact of his hard work and resilience.

By the age of 13, Gorimbo had tragically lost both of his parents, leaving him to fend for himself. The lack of infrastructure and limited opportunities in Zimbabwe pushed him towards the dangerous world of the diamond fields. There, he encountered organized crime, not in the Hollywood sense, but a harsh reality for those seeking minerals in his homelands.

Describing the situation, he aptly stated, “It’s not like the mafia we see on the TV, but in Zimbabwe any place where there are minerals it’s going to bring bad people.” Unashamed of his past, ‘The Answer’ openly told the BBC that such actions were considered normal back then. He also revealed the harsh realities behind his encounters with the police and brutal attacks by wild dogs, whose scars remain attached to his body.

The UFC fighter also opened up about the time when he found a 12-carrot diamond that helped him escape South Africa, but at what cost?

‘The Answer’s’ early struggles in South Africa

In the same interview, Gorimbo recounted his escape from Zimbabwe to South Africa with the belief that it would solve his problems. However, his struggles followed him. He arrived hopeful, aiming to find work as a gardener, but was deported the very next day. This shattered his initial optimism.

Gorimbo’s ordeal didn’t end there as he revealed being held hostage for a second time within a week because his cousins couldn’t pay the smuggler fee to bring him to South Africa. Despite these harrowing experiences, the welterweight fighter believes his struggles shaped him into the mentally tough fighter he is today, thriving in the UFC.

It was in South Africa, however, that “The Answer’ found his path. Inspired by the movie ‘Never Back Down’, he discovered Mixed Martial Arts. He spent his day at a Jiu-Jitsu gym in Cape Town before finding his home in Panther Fighting Arts. However, the gym membership fees proved a significant hurdle.

“I was paying 150 rand (£6.42) for the first month, but it was a lot of money for me because I was only earning 80 rand (£3.43) a day. It was very tough but I had to make that sacrifice because I really wanted to become an MMA fighter. The coach eventually felt sorry for me and I didn’t have to pay. It was a blessing,” the fighter added.

Gorimbo has come way ahead of all the struggles and will be hoping to reach a new height in his career, as he will be taking on Ramiz Brahimaj. Who do you think will rise victorious at the UFC Fight Night 241? Will it be Themba Gorimbo or Ramiz Brahimaj? Let us know in the comment box.