'I belong to the universe': UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo explains his rejection of Zimbabwe and family

“I don’t belong to Zimbabwe. I belong to the universe. I belong to every single person that wants to take inspiration from me. If I die, I don’t need to be buried in my village. If I die, burn my body and go throw my dust at Kruger National Park. That’s my wish."

Themba Gorimbo, a Zimbabwean UFC fighter, has stirred conversation and controversy by asserting his disconnection from his home country and family.

During an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo on African Voices at the UFC Headquarters in Las Vegas, Gorimbo expressed sentiments that have resonated with many while drawing criticism from others.

Gorimbo, who has embarked on a remarkable journey from a childhood marked by trauma and hardship in Zimbabwe to success in the UFC, explained the difficult reasons behind severing ties with his family.

“I don’t talk to any of my family members anymore. None. I have got all my family members off my phone. Nobody. I blocked. I love my family from far,” he revealed.

According to him, the lack of support from his loved ones during his struggles led to feelings of isolation and frustration.

Now residing in Miami, Florida, with his wife and two children, Gorimbo’s life took a positive turn when he was provided a house by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2023, after previously sleeping on a sofa at the MMA Masters gym.

“I don’t belong to a certain country because I want to be free. When I’m free, I’m happy. And when I’m happy, I’m dangerous,” he stated, reflecting on the importance of personal liberation to his success.

The fighter candidly expressed his feelings about familial obligations, stating, “Nobody in Zimbabwe supported me, including my own family. I had this dream by myself. I went after this by myself. People laughed at me when I was doing this.”

This sentiment resonates with the experience of many African individuals grappling with the pressures of "black tax", an expectation for financial support from family members.

“My family feels entitled because that’s how our minds in Africa are like, because also, we are blackmailed that we cannot say no. Black tax is real in Africa, like, and we cannot say no,” he said.

Clips from the interview have trended on social media, sparking a variety of reactions.

User @PascalMwenge stated, “Black tax broke this man. Family mocked him when he was broke, then expected handouts when he made it. Now he wants his ashes in Kruger, not Zimbabwe. Brutal, but can we really blame him?”

Alternatively, @zandatoto remarked, “Arrogance on stilts. He behaves as if he was born a UFC fighter and raised himself.”

However, @stmajoraa added, “I love his energy,” while @cde_simba interpreted Gorimbo’s words as reflective of deeper emotional scars: “When someone says ‘I belong to the universe,’ it’s not pride, it’s pain. It’s what you say when you’ve felt rejected by home for too long. You may disagree with Gorimbo, but his words come from deep scars, not arrogance.”

Born on January 23, 1991, Gorimbo has made a name for himself as the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight, solidifying his place in MMA history.

His story is not just about athletic achievement but also about personal struggles, resilience, and the ongoing challenge of seeking freedom beyond borders.