Themba Gorimbo spoke with Alex Behunin of MMA Mania less than twenty-four hours after his fight with Takashi Sato last Saturday in Las Vegas. Gorimbo said that he woke up at 3 am on Saturday feeling unwell and showing flu symptoms. During the night, he was doubtful if the fight would even go ahead.
”It was a challenge because, you know what, there were moments where I was thinking to call my manager and tell him what was happening”. Gorimbo decided to wait until 8 am to see if any symptoms had improved after taking some medication.
”I was so scared to open up about it to my coaches. Only my teammate knew I was sick. During the night, he could hear me breathing and coughing. It was difficult because you have to make a decision [whether or not to fight]”.
Looking back, he will be delighted he managed to pull through and compete at the UFC Apex as he defeated Takashi Sato via unanimous decision to become the first Zimbabwean fighter to win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Being broke
Gorimbo said that people might think he needs to use his money wisely, but he assured Alex Behunin that this wasn’t the case, explaining that he has a gym in South Africa that lets children train for free. The facility doesn’t make him money currently, as anything earned goes back into the gym’s running costs.
Gorimbo mentioned that having lost his first fight in the UFC, coupled with paying his coaches and the rent on a flat he owns housing seven amateur fighters that he is helping try to make it as professionals, he is often left short in the finance department with his generosity often leaving him short.
The Zimbabwean’s bank account should look a little healthier this week compared to the $7.49 he had prior to the bout:
Colby Covington
Despite having reservations about ‘Chaos’ when he first met him, as he does when meeting most fighters for the first time, it was when the welterweight contender invited Gorimbo to train with him that he started to see the public perception of Covington was different to how he came across in person.
Gorimbo initially declined the invitation, explaining to Covington that he didn’t have the funds to pay for transport to the training facility. His new friend then arranged the travel for him.
”He [Colby Covington] didn’t have to have me there, but he just wanted to help me. Those are the things we don’t see. I just wanted to shed light on it. When I was in Miami, he was so good to me, and he helped me. At times, he would bring me food to the gym, right? And that’s nice; he didn’t have to do that. I appreciate that because gratitude goes a long way.”
Gorimbo said that during the training sessions with Covington, he gained valuable tips on what was needed to be worked on for his own development, which he took on board for his recent victory. After enjoying his time training at MMA Masters and learning from top fighters, Gorimbo is confident he will continue to rack up victories and one day be the UFC champion.
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