UFC News: Themba Gorimbo Opens Up on Depression Despite Dwayne Johnson’s Support and MMA Achievements- “I Am a Human Being”

Themba Gorimbo has achieved much after coming to the United States, but some things still haunt the fighter. And these moments in his life, perhaps still plunge him into a rather emotional state of mind. ‘The Answer’ came to the UFC with big dreams and a small wallet of about $7 in his pocket.

Today, he has a home and enough money to start big projects for his community in Zimbabwe. Gorimbo has installed pumps for water and also helped his community with cataract surgeries with some assistance from fellow UFC stars. Here’s him opening up about the struggles he faced after receiving a lot of love and big gifts from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, the WWE sensation.

Themba Gorimbo hasn’t had it all easy

Themba Gorimbo had a rough start in the UFC. He lost his very first fight against A. J. Fletcher via submission in the second round of the 19th February bout. Yet, the second time he stepped inside the cage, he managed to defeat Takashi Sato.

Gorimbo would soon become famous for making it to the U.S. just to spend his nights sleeping on the gym’s couch. His act of perseverance would gain the attention of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and he ended up giving him a home of his own for him and his family. However, things did not end there.

Even after selling his fight kit for money for his village and gaining ‘The Rock’s’ favor, there were those who gave Gorimbo a hard time online. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Gorimbo opened up about the unnecessary online hate.

“I’m a human being and I’m emotional and if someone comes to me and says things. . . Maybe you start questioning yourself as a person and it was really bothering me and sometimes I’ll cry by myself “. Clearly, the emotional state of even a fighter as tough as Gorimbo can become shaken. Thankfully, he often finds support from other fighters.

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Poirier supports Gorimbo

Back in December 2023, Dustin Poirier donated $10,000 to Gorimbo’s efforts in his village. Gorimbo soon shared the collaboration with his fans on Instagram. He told the world how he saw his 92-year-old Uncle who suffered from cataracts and soon started an initiative to help others out of this disabling but treatable disease.

This isn’t the first time Gorimbo got support from a fellow fighter. Even Marlon Vera has previously helped with boreholes for the community. A video of the borehole being dug and villagers assembling around it went viral and a heartfelt message to Gorimbo by his fellow community member found much warmth on social media.

By all means, the fighter is as wholesome as it could get. How do you feel about Themba Gorimbo?

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