From Diamond Mines to the UFC: The Incredible Journey of Themba Gorimbo

“Everything happens for a reason.”

Themba Gorimbo’s journey from Zimbabwe’s diamond mines to the UFC is nothing short of remarkable.

Adversity has been a constant theme throughout the 33-year-old’s life, and he is now using his growing platform to help others.

“My life has already changed tremendously,” Gorimbo told BBC Sport. “I’m in the process of building a library in Zimbabwe—it’s something I enjoy, helping where I can with what I have. When I’m happy, I’m dangerous as a fighter.”

Welterweight Gorimbo is aiming for his third successive win in the UFC when he faces Ramiz Brahimaj on May 18 in Las Vegas.

“My main focus, besides becoming UFC champion, is to inspire other African kids who grew up in similar circumstances,” Gorimbo said. “If you choose a path and work hard, you can achieve anything.”

Gorimbo’s journey is filled with harrowing experiences. By age 13, he had lost both parents and was left to fend for himself. Opportunities were scarce, leading him to the diamond fields and organized crime. “It’s a typical diamond place, with death and gangsters,” he said. “I’m not shy to say I was stealing diamonds and smuggling them. It was normal then.”

Danger was rampant in the Marange diamond fields, not just from gangs but also from the police. Gorimbo still bears the scars from dog attacks on his arms and torso.

Gorimbo thought his luck had changed at 17 when he found a 12-carat diamond, allowing him to move to South Africa in hopes of finding work as a gardener. However, the road was fraught with challenges.

In South Africa, Gorimbo discovered mixed martial arts (MMA) after watching the film “Never Back Down.” He trained at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gym in Cape Town before joining Panther Fighting Arts. “I paid 150 rand (£6.42) for the first month, which was a lot because I was only earning 80 rand (£3.43) a day,” Gorimbo said. “The coach eventually let me train for free. It was a blessing.”

Gorimbo had his first amateur fight in 2010 and turned professional in 2013. His UFC debut in February 2023 didn’t go as planned, losing by submission to AJ Fletcher. Facing Takashi Sato three months later, he battled illness and financial hardship. “I had $87 (£69.50) in my bank account and needed to buy medicine,” Gorimbo said. “I accidentally double-clicked, reducing my balance to $7.49 (£5.98). I knew I had to fight hard that night.”

Despite being ill, Gorimbo won by unanimous decision and shared an image of his bank account on social media, a moment that changed his life. WWE superstar and actor Dwayne Johnson, inspired by Gorimbo’s story, surprised him with a house in Miami, Florida.

“I was going home to build a water well in my village,” Gorimbo said. “He could have just sponsored me, but giving me a house shows there’s a bigger picture and reason.”