Emotions ran high at the pre-fight press conference for UFC Vegas 92. UFC star Themba Gorimbo, known as โThe Answer,โ was overcome with grief when discussing his upcoming fight against Ramiz Brahimaj. The Zimbabwean fighter broke down in tears while revealing a heartbreaking personal tragedy.
Gorimbo was asked about his strategy for the bout. Gorimboโs voice quivered as he revealed his pain after the death of his coachโs mother just 2 hours ago. The welterweight fighter revealed that he would win in a spectacular fashion.
All I know is Iโm going to win in spectacular fashion, for my coach, whose mother just died like 2 hours ago. Heโs been here with me for 8 weeks. He tells me his mother is sick with cancer, you know.
Themba Gorimbo via UFC Vegas 92 pre-fight press conference
The death of his coachโs mother reminded Gorimbo of the pain of being only nine when his mother died. After the fight, he was planning to see her but fate had something else on its cards. All this notwithstanding, Gorimbo did not change his mind about winning. He promised himself that he would win for his trainer.
Gorimboโs path to UFC is one that could inspire many. It started with working illegally in a diamond mine at a very young age and ended up with him getting noticed by no less than Dwayne Johnson himself. Secondly, his fans have always loved seeing how talented he can be and the unbreakable determination that he has cultivated over time. This latest display of vulnerability and empathy only adds to his endearing persona.
Themba Gorimbo reveals being scammed out of money
Themba Gorimbo had big dreams to give back to his homeland. The UFC welterweight from Zimbabwe planned to build a library there. Gorimbo was well on his way with support from UFC stars like Dustin Poirier and even Dwayne โThe Rockโ Johnson.
Aaron Bronsteter recently interviewed Gorimbo. The 32-year-old fighter revealed that he got scammed out of $5,000. Just like that, his noble library project ground to a halt.
I was there [in Zimbabwe] and I was trying to do this building of the library. And what happened is that someone scammed me, man. So, I didnโt end up doing that. I lost $5000.
Themba Gorimbo via Aaron Bronsteter
Gorimbo announced several charity initiatives in Zimbabwe after earning his first UFC paycheck. Dwayne โThe Rockโ Johnson gave him a house in Miami.ย Fellow UFC star Dustin Poirier even donated $10,000 to support the cause. All is not lost though. Gorimbo has a fight coming up at UFC Vegas 92 this weekend. Gorimboโs perseverance despite the setback is admirable. With his power and skills, he could absolutely pull off the win and bonus.