Zimbabwe-born MMA fighter, Themba Gorimbo, achieved a remarkable victory in his UFC debut by defeating Takashi Sato in May. The victory was even more significant when he revealed that he had only $7 in his bank account before stepping into the octagon for the fight. Gorimbo’s story touched the heart of WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who pledged to reach out to the fighter. True to his word, “The Rock” surprised Gorimbo with an unannounced visit to a training facility in Florida.
In a heartwarming video shared on social media by Johnson, he can be seen approaching Gorimbo during an interview. The moment Gorimbo noticed “The Rock,” he was visibly stunned and quickly jumped out of his seat to embrace the Hollywood star. Johnson, who once struggled financially himself, empathized with Gorimbo’s journey and shared a warm exchange with the fighter. The clip concluded with an emotional Gorimbo expressing his gratitude to Johnson.
We’ve never met but I had to fly to Miami to look this man @TheAnswerMMA in the eyes, hug him and shake his hand. I’ve been moved & motivated by his story ❤️
He recently won his first fight in the @ufc.
He had $7 bucks in his bank account when he won.
He sleeps on a couch in… pic.twitter.com/8QIDa7PJTY
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 27, 2023
Johnson, who co-founded the Seven Bucks Productions production company in 2012, wrote a touching caption alongside the video. He explained that Gorimbo’s inspiring story deeply moved and motivated him. After the UFC victory, Gorimbo sold his fight gear online and earned $7,000. Instead of using the money for personal gain, he selflessly invested it in building a bush pump to provide clean water for his village in Zimbabwe. Despite not asking for anything, Johnson felt compelled to help Gorimbo, recognizing the determination and generosity that shone through his actions.
Themba Gorimbo’s journey from having meagre funds in his bank account to achieving success in the UFC and making a positive impact on his community is a testament to his resilience and character. The surprise meeting with Dwayne Johnson added an unforgettable chapter to Gorimbo’s incredible story, inspiring others to embrace the spirit of determination and selflessness. With this encounter, the MMA world witnessed the unifying power of sport and the ability of fighters to inspire beyond the octagon.
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