Zimbabwean mixed martial artist Themba Gorimbo has announced his retirement from professional fighting, bringing an end to a 13-year career that saw him become the first Zimbabwean to win a bout inside the UFC Octagon.
The 35-year-old welterweight confirmed his decision in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, saying he was stepping away from the sport after falling short of his dream of becoming a UFC world champion.
“Thank you to UFC and everyone,” Gorimbo wrote. “I dared to be someone and something and failed. Gave all I can in the sport and I am walking away from the sport. My dream was to be a UFC champion and if I cannot be that I am going to walk away from the sport.”
Gorimbo, whose rise from poverty in Zimbabwe to the global MMA stage inspired many across Africa, said the physical demands of the sport and his desire to spend more time with his family also influenced the decision.
“Could have done many things differently. However now Father Time is calling,” he said. “I will now be a present father for my daughters. I want to be there with good brains when they win Wimbledon one day.”
The veteran fighter acknowledged the physical toll sustained during his years competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
“I want to have great health for my family. Right now everything hurts. From this to that. I push the envelope. I tried. Now I can rest and relax,” Gorimbo said.
Gorimbo retires with a professional record of 14 wins and seven losses. Although he ruled out a return as an active fighter, he suggested he could remain involved in combat sports in another capacity.
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“It’s not easy but I’ve tried. Maybe I will make a comeback as a coach or manager someday but for now the focus will be my family,” he wrote. “I am officially retired from MMA as an athlete.”
He ended his announcement with a message to aspiring African athletes pursuing careers in professional sport.
“To any young African athletes out there, follow your dreams and give it your all. You never know where you land. The sky is the limit.”
