Themba Gorimbo

Themba Takura Lawrence Gorimbo (born January 23, 1991) is a Zimbabwean professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Early life Gorimbo was born in Bikita, Zimbabwe.

He lost his mom at the age of 12 and his dad at 13. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 to become a blood diamond smuggler in order to survive and take care of his younger brother. He was bitten by German Shepherd dogs after he was caught digging for blood diamond illegally at the mines. He later bought his own plane ticket to go to the United States to pursue his MMA career.

Mixed martial arts career Ultimate Fighting Championship Gorimbo was scheduled to make his promotional debut against Billy Goff on February 18, 2023 at UFC Fight Night 219. However, Goff withdrew due to undisclosed reason and was replaced by A.J. Fletcher. He lost the fight via a guillotine choke in round two.

Gorimbo faced Takashi Sato on May 20, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 223. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Gorimbo was scheduled to face Kiefer Crosbie on February 3, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 235. However on January 5, it was announced that Crosbie pulled out due to an injury. He was replaced by Pete Rodriguez. He won the fight via technical knockout in round one.

Gorimbo faced Ramiz Brahimaj on May 18, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 241. He won the bout by unanimous decision.

Gorimbo faced Niko Price on October 12, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 244. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Replacing Nick Diaz who withdrew for unknown reasons, Gorimbo faced Vicente Luque on December 7, 2024 at UFC 310. Gorimbo lost the fight via an anaconda choke submission 52 seconds into the first round.

Gorimbo faced Jeremiah Wells on November 1, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 263. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Gorimbo faced Jonathan Micallef on May 2, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 275. He lost the fight by split decision.

On May 22, 2026, Gorimbo announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.

Personal life He became the first Zimbabwean to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Philanthropy In a post match interview, after his first UFC win, Gorimbo mentioned that he did not have any money, that he had $7 in his account. Fellow fighter Marlon Vera also donated to Themba's cause to building more boreholes.

He plans to build a solar-powered library in his hometown so that children can study after hours.

Championships and accomplishments Extreme Fighting Championship EFC Welterweight Champion (one time; former) One title defense World MMA Awards 2023 Fighting Spirit of the Year for charity – building a water pump in Zimbabwe and putting others ahead of himself

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Jonathan Micallef Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates

Perth, Australia Loss

Jeremiah Wells Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Garcia vs. Onama

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Vicente Luque Technical Submission (anaconda choke) UFC 310

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Niko Price Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Ramiz Brahimaj Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Murphy

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Pete Rodriguez TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Takashi Sato Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

A.J. Fletcher Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Julio Rafael Rodrigues Decision (unanimous) Fury FC 65

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Loss

Handesson Ferreira Decision (unanimous) UAE Warriors 24

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Lyle Karam Submission (triangle choke) EFC 84

Pretoria, South Africa Win

Luke Michael TKO (punches) EFC 82

Brakpan, South Africa Win

José da Rocha Junior Decision (unanimous) EFC 79

Johannesburg, South Africa Loss

Dave Mazany KO (punches) EFC 63

Cape Town, South Africa Win

Joe Cummins Decision (unanimous) EFC 49

Johannesburg, South Africa Loss

Leon Mynhardt Submission (guillotine choke) EFC 44

Johannesburg, South Africa Win

Alex Cheboub Submission (guillotine choke) EFC 37

Johannesburg, South Africa Win

Chaz Wasserman Submission (brabo choke) EFC 27

Gauteng, South Africa Win

Chimmy van Winkel Submission (armbar) EFC 26

Gauteng, South Africa Win

Juan Lubbe Submission (armbar) EFC 22

Gauteng, South Africa Win

Sydney Mokgolo Submission (triangle choke) Imagine FC 3

Gqeberha, South Africa