Themba Gorimbo retires

Zimbabwean mixed martial artist Themba Gorimbo has announced his retirement from professional MMA following his third consecutive loss in the UFC octagon.

The 35-year-old fighter, who rose to international prominence after striking up a friendship with Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson, confirmed his decision in an emotional statement posted on Instagram.

"Thank you to UFC and everyone. I dared to be someone and something and failed," Gorimbo wrote.

"Gave all I can in the sport and I am walking away from the sport. My dream was to be a UFC champion and if I cannot be that I am going to walk away from the sport. It's not easy but I've tried."

He added that while his fighting career was over, he could still return to the sport in another capacity in future.

"Maybe I will make a comeback as a coach or manager someday but for now the focus will be my family.

"Thank you to everyone I've met on the journey and everyone who has helped me along the journey. I am officially retired from MMA as an athlete."

Gorimbo joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster in 2023 but lost his debut fight to A.J. Fletcher.

His story captured worldwide attention later that year after he revealed he had only US$7 in his bank account before earning his first UFC victory. Despite his financial struggles, Gorimbo pledged to auction his fight gear to help fund the drilling of a water well in his home country.

The charitable gesture attracted the attention of Johnson, a longtime combat sports fan and board member of TKO Group Holdings, which owns the UFC.

Johnson later surprised Gorimbo by purchasing a house for him in Florida after learning the fighter had been living in a backroom at the gym where he trained.

Following the life-changing gesture, Gorimbo enjoyed a strong run in the UFC, putting together a four-fight winning streak.

However, his momentum ended in 2024 when he suffered a 52-second submission defeat to Vicente Luque at UFC 310.

He then suffered two additional defeats, including a split-decision loss to Jonathan Micallef at UFC Perth earlier this month.

The losing streak ultimately convinced Gorimbo to bring his fighting career to an end.

If the retirement remains permanent, Gorimbo leaves the sport with a professional MMA record of 14 wins and seven losses, including a 4-4 run in the UFC.