Themba Gorimbo has officially called time on his MMA career, announcing his retirement after suffering a third consecutive loss in the UFC.
Gorimbo revealed the decision on social media following a difficult run that began after he joined the UFC roster in 2023, where he lost his debut to A.J. Fletcher. His recent skid included a 52-second submission defeat to Vicente Luque at UFC 310 in Florida and a split-decision loss to Jonathan Micallef at UFC Perth in May.
“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 is as 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.”
“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,” he added.
Gorimbo’s story drew widespread attention in 2023 when he revealed he had only $7 in his bank account before earning his first UFC win and planned to auction his fight kit to help fund a water well in Zimbabwe. Dwayne Johnson later bought a house in Florida for Gorimbo after learning of his living situation. Gorimbo steps away from competition with a 14-7 overall record, including 4-4 in the UFC.
