UFC‘s Themba Gorimbo‘s life story is a tale of triumph.
And now, having conquered numerous challenges, Gorimbo has set his aim on helping others in realizing their dreams – a goal inspired by a life-changing encounter with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Gorimbo’s path has been anything but ordinary. From grappling with life’s adversities to achieving fame in the UFC, his story is a real testament to resilience.
And now, his well-known and inspirational friendship with The Rock has been a catalyst for his own philanthropic endeavors!
Namely, Gorimbo’s focus is now on assisting African communities by constructing clean water wells.
Here’s what he had to say in an interview with MMA Junkie:
People would think that I’m not grateful for the path that I walked.
I’m very grateful for the path that I’ve walked and everything that’s led to be here right now.
Whatever happened that led me to be broke on that day, it was a blessing.
Gorimbo’s past hardships, including a time when he had only seven dollars to his name, remain a substantial source of motivation on his journey…
And so do the lessons that he learned along the way – and that he now wants to transfer onto children:
I won the fight and I shared my story because it was still a win for me. I wanted to inspire people.
That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day, inspiring people, for me; especially the kids from Africa that come from the same background that I come from, that were orphaned at a very young age, that didn’t have rich parents, that didn’t have parents, that didn’t have the degree, that didn’t have anything to go (do) what’s called the norm in Africa.
You have to get a degree. You have a degree and get a job. That’s called the norm there. That’s what’s called success there.
I want to give hope to those kind of kids because you cannot be good at everything.Maybe some are good at fighting, which is in part because of me.
His charitable efforts were recognized at the 15th Annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards, held at the Sahara Theater, where he received the Fighting Spirit Award.
The turning point in Gorimbo’s life came when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, moved by his story, gifted him a new house during a surprise visit.
Gorimbo and Johnson continue to inspire each other:
I speak to DJ often. Every time I speak to him, sometimes, he’s a late night guy.
He’ll message me in the middle of the night sometimes.It’s tricky because I want to go and train straight away because of the energy he gives me every time he messages me or calls me or whatever.
He has given me a head start in the United States of America, which is a great country.
My dream is to give somebody a head start in America from Africa. Until I achieve that, I’m not done.
Welcome home @TheAnswerMMA
You and your family enjoy your new house brother.
Lights are on.
Bills are paid.
Keep your “My Reason” list close, keep taking care of your people and I’m honored to play a very, very small role in your $7 bucks journey.
$7 bucks.
I’ve been there… pic.twitter.com/rSyC7EiD5I— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 3, 2023
