The Price of Silence and the Sound of Betrayal: Why Themba Gorimbo is Done with the Identity
In the high-stakes world of professional fighting, the hardest hits often come from where you least expect. For UFC star Themba Gorimbo, it was family and country, not gloves in the Octagon.
The CNN Interview That Shocked the Nation
Following his January 24, 2026 interview with CNN’s African Voices, Gorimbo officially renounced his Zimbabwean identity and severed ties with his family. The revelation shocked fans and commentators alike, exposing the personal cost of his rise.
The Myth of "Support"
Gorimbo, long hailed as the "Pride of Bikita," questioned public pride when he was struggling. "Where was that pride when I was hungry?" he asked. "Where was that support when I was sleeping on a gym floor with seven dollars in my pocket?"
According to him, the community mocked him for chasing an MMA career. Support only arrived once he gained fame, and even then, it came with financial demands rather than encouragement.
The Breaking Point: Celebrating Failure
Gorimbo’s decision to block family members stemmed from cruelty, not just money. He received videos from cousins celebrating his losses, reportedly out of spite for refusing financial demands.
"When your own blood finds joy in your pain, that is the moment you realize you are alone," he stated. He has since blocked relatives, politicians, and former associates to protect his mental peace.
A "Citizen of the Universe"
Public outcry followed Gorimbo's wish to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in South Africa's Kruger National Park. Critics called it a betrayal, but Gorimbo sees it as liberation from trauma.
Despite renouncing national ties, he continues philanthropic work, including building a solar-powered library and drilling boreholes, emphasizing: "I am not doing it for 'Zimbabwe.' I am doing it for the individuals, not the identity."
The New Chapter
As of January 2026, "The Mamba" moves forward free from national expectation. He now identifies as a "citizen of the universe," aligning only with those inspired by his journey.
To critics questioning his loyalty, Gorimbo’s message is clear: the struggle was his alone, and so is the peace he has chosen.
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