Gorimbo excited ahead of UFC debut

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S 2019 Sportsperson of the Year Themba Gorimbo is gearing up to face American Ashton Fletcher in the lucrative Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC) welterweight bout.

The fight is taking place at UFC Apex Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on 18 February. This event is also called UFC Vegas 69 or UFC Fight Night 219. Gorimbo is in camp preparing to make his debut at the UFC against Fletcher who stepped in to face the Zimbabwean after fellow American Billy Goff pulled out of the contest for unknown reasons.

On 1 November last year, Iridium Sports Agency announced that Goff will fight against Gorimbo in a welterweight contest only for to Goff withdrew from the bout due to an undisclosed reason and was replaced by Fletcher. The South Africa based Gorimbo has expressed his readiness for a debut fight on his official social media accounts.

“Fight camp finished yesterday (Thursday). It’s been a hard one. I was tested on this one emotionally, physically, mentally, financially and spiritually. I thank God first for the power to overcome. Secondly everyone that was involved. The list is too long to write, bless you all,’’ said Gorimbo.

The Zimbabwean fighter, who met President Mnangagwa at State in House in June 2021 is excited about his debut appearance in the UFC.

“Last Saturday in South Africa before I leave for a life changing opportunity in United States of America.
“I love America. Vegas see you soon,” wrote Gorimbo on his Twitter page yesterday.

The Zimbabwean, who was supposed to make his debut in December is looking forward to the fight against Fletcher.

“On the 18th of February 2023 I will put on a show to be remembered. I will be victorious. Fight camp finished yesterday. It’s been a hard one. I was tested on this one emotionally, physically, mentally, financially and spiritually. I thank God first for the power to overcome,” said Gorimbo.

The South Africa-based fighter signed for UFC in August last year after his unanimous decision win against Brazilian Julio Rodrigues in a Fury Fighting Championship in the USA.

Gorimbo is the second Zimbabwe born fighter after Mike “Blood Diamond” Mathetha to sign up for the UFC.

Mathetha is based in New Zealand and trains with the likes of UFC Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. He moved to New Zealand at the age of 14.
—Follow on Twitter @ZililoR