Gorimbo wins first UFC fight in USA

WELTERWEIGHT Themba Gorimbo revealed he was down to US$7 in his bank account before claiming his first career octagon win at lucrative Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Vegas 73 in the United States of America against Takashi Sato.

All the judges gave Gorimbo their nod as the scorecard read 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27. Gorimbo’s win was made more impressive by the fact that he was apparently under the weather, battling with flu.

It was his post-match remarks that, however, made the victory more emotional as he revealed that some of his family and friends had turned their backs on him after a loss in his debut. He said he was left with

only US$7 in his bank account leading up to this fight.

Gorimbo lost to AJ Fletcher in his UFC debut fight in February.

“I have been emotional, l have been broke. If you look in my bank account there is US$7. I do not know how much l am getting paid but l have to enjoy this. All my focus was on winning and money is a by-product of winning so whatever l get paid will be great.

“What is important is for me to go home and spend time with my family because they suffer the most when l lose and they should enjoy the most when l win. I am going to be switching off my phone for a week to spend time with my family,” said Gorimbo

The Zimbabwean Sportsperson of the Year winner recalled how he stayed stuck in his room sobbing after losing to Fletcher.

“I want to be honest. This might hurt some people but the truth must be told. After the defeat, my coaches went to a party and l was in that room all by myself crying. Everyone just moved away when l lost. When l got home people ignored me including those that l had helped before,” said Gorimbo.

He said he called friends and they also ignored him and he was very hurt.

” Even my own brother, l love my brother, he is my blood but he was not there for me. l hope the Lord forgives them, l have already moved on from that. Those that wrote me off I hope they will get inspiration from my story,” said Gorimbo.

He said he moved from training in Zimbabwe to Miami, Florida at MMA Masters which is the home of the number one welterweight contender Colby Covington in preparation for Sato’s fight.

Covington supported Gorimbo, providing the Zimbabwean fighter with food when he was going through financial challenges.

— @innocentskizoe