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 Innocent Kurira, [email protected] 

ON October 12, Themba Gorimbo once again steps into the cage to face American Niko Price with nothing but victory in his sights. Gorimbo, who has won three fights in a row, carries plenty of momentum going into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) showdown next month. The Zimbabwean fighter has proven to be a true hero, making his country proud with every punch and every kick he throws.

He hopes to maintain the same trajectory against a tough opponent in Price. The American will be hoping to stack up UFC victories for the first time since 2017 when he faces Gorimbo. Price goes into this bout coming off a great win, besting Alex Morono as an underdog via unanimous decision on June 1. That pushed Price’s UFC record to 8-7-0 and ended a two-fight losing streak for the fighter in the promotion.

However, Gorimbo is targeting nothing short of victory, given that he is now training in world-class facilities and getting adequate preparation for matches, unlike before when he was his own coach at his own gym. The Zimbabwean fighter is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for victory.

“Once and always. I did it before from my own gym, being my own head coach. Fought my way to the UFC that way. Now I am here in Las Vegas and have the best resources there are. I know my story and I am going to make it no matter what. All in on this and I am coming for everything they said or think I will not have. October 12th 2024, I am going to win by any means necessary,” says Gorimbo ahead of the Price fight.

Gorimbo has, in the past, faced criticism for being “over-emotional” with his difficult rise to the top. Some sections have even referred to him as a “cry baby” for breaking into tears during media briefings when he looks back at where he has come from. However, his journey has been nothing but inspiring, with the early loss of both his parents, time spent in illegal diamond mining in Manicaland, and a difficult start to his professional fighting career.

Niko Price

Tragedy first struck when his mother passed away when he was just nine years old. His father passed away four years later, leaving him orphaned. Left with no one to turn to, he found himself immersed in the dangerous world of illegal diamond mining in Marange, a feverish frenzy that had then gripped the Manicaland province. The cat-and-mouse game with the police became an unwelcome companion in this treacherous pursuit, pushing him further into the depths of despair.

It wasn’t until he stumbled upon the movie Never Back Down that the spark of inspiration ignited within him. In 2010, he mustered the courage to step into the realm of sport fighting, and in 2013, he embraced a professional career in the Octagon, the UFC. The path to greatness was, however, still far from smooth and Gorimbo faced immense struggles and setbacks. His first fight in the UFC ended in defeat and the world seemed to lose faith in his abilities. But beneath the surface of despair, a fire was burning, a fire that drove him to pick himself up, dust off the ashes of defeat, and rise again with an unyielding spirit.

With sheer determination and courage, Gorimbo battled his way back into the spotlight. He revealed the bleak reality of having only US$7 in his bank account before securing a remarkable victory in the Octagon Vegas 73 fight against Takashi Sato of Japan. This triumph was extraordinary as he battled flu during the match, demonstrating the determination of a true warrior. He has written his own inspirational story that will linger in the minds of young Zimbabweans. Gorimbo continues winning hearts on and off the ring.

The 33-year-old fighter claimed his third UFC victory in a thrilling match against American opponent Ramiz Brahimaj in a welterweight bout in May. As Zimbabwe’s sole representative in UFC, Gorimbo is a trailblazer and an inspiration. He is showing that nothing is impossible and with each victory, he is showing that Zimbabweans are capable of achieving greatness, both on and off the playing field. He is an inspiration to young people, showing them that with hard work and perseverance, they too can reach the top of their chosen field.

The fighter is presently building a library in his hometown in Bikita, Masvingo, as he hopes to change the lives of many in that area.—@innocentskizoe