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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

THEMBA Gorimbo has been handed a golden opportunity to fight again this year after agreeing to face Vincente Luque at UFC 310 in the United States of America next weekend. 

The Zimbabwean fighter has stepped in to replace Nick Diaz, who pulled out of the initial bout with Luque. 

Diaz has fought just twice in the last decade, and a win over him would not have significantly improved Luque’s ranking in the welterweight division. 

In contrast, a victory against the rising star in Gorimbo, who is on a four-fight winning streak, would demonstrate Luque’s continued relevance in the division setting up an interesting fight.

This is one of Gorimbo’s most pivotal fights of his career. With a coveted spot in the UFC’s top 15 rankings within grasp, Gorimbo continues to inspire with his remarkable journey from adversity to global success.

He had been calling for one more fight before the year end and he has got it.

Gorimbo, a favourite of actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, first gained widespread attention last year when he posted a screenshot of his bank balance with a mere $7 on social media. 

The Rock was moved by his story and subsequently purchased a house for him, among other gestures of support.

Since then, Gorimbo has proven himself to be a formidable force in the UFC, winning all four of his last fights. 

His journey in martial arts began with his first amateur fight in 2010, and he turned professional in 2013. 

Although his UFC debut against AJ Fletcher in February 2023 ended in a submission loss, Gorimbo rebounded with a unanimous decision win against Takashi Sato, despite battling illness.

In addition to his fighting career, Gorimbo is committed to charitable projects in his native Zimbabwe, including the construction of a library in Bikita. 

His most recent victory came against American Nico Price, whom he defeated via a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), securing his fourth consecutive win in the Octagon. 

With this latest opportunity to face Luque, Gorimbo is eager to cap off the year with another impressive performance.

-@innocentskizoe