Themba Gorimbo disowns Zimbabwe, family

Zimbabwean mixed martial artist Themba Gorimbo has delivered an emotional and controversial account of his rise to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), saying neither his family nor his country supported him during the most difficult period of his career.

Gorimbo, who recently made history as the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight, said his journey to the global stage was marked by isolation, rejection and hardship, forcing him to rely on the goodwill of strangers rather than support from home.

"Nobody in Zimbabwe supported me, not even my family," Gorimbo said, describing years of struggle in which he trained under extreme conditions with little to no financial or emotional backing. He revealed that he has since cut ties with his entire family and no longer wishes to be associated with Zimbabwe.

According to the fighter, those closest to him only resurfaced after his success, once international recognition and opportunity had arrived.

"I had nothing. I was fighting to survive. The support only came after the headlines," he said.

Themba Gorimbo wants nothing to do with his family and Zimbabwe. He blocked all his family members. "If I die, burn my body and throw my dust at Kruger National Park," says Themba. "Nobody in Zimbabwe supported me, not even my family." pic.twitter.com/Co2ga2ssZZ

— Bulawayo24 News (@Bulawayo24News) January 24, 2026

Gorimbo's account has ignited debate about how African countries treat emerging talent, particularly athletes and creatives who often go unnoticed until they achieve success abroad. He rejected claims that he is turning his back on his roots, arguing instead that he is protecting himself from people and systems that failed him when he needed them most.

"This is not about refusing to give back," Gorimbo said. "It's about survival. I had to build myself with no help from home."

His story reflects a wider challenge faced by many young Africans, where talent is frequently celebrated only after success, while the formative years are characterised by neglect, financial strain and social pressure. Analysts say this culture contributes to the loss of potential, as many promising individuals abandon their dreams long before reaching global platforms.

While Gorimbo's UFC victory has been widely celebrated as a national milestone, his estrangement from home has become an equally powerful part of the narrative, raising uncomfortable questions about family expectations, so-called "black tax," and the absence of structured support for aspiring athletes.

Gorimbo's rise, forged through grit and external assistance, stands as both an inspiration and a warning: without early investment, encouragement and genuine support, nations risk losing their brightest talent — not just physically, but emotionally as well.