UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo, the first Zimbabwean to win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has sparked controversy after announcing he has cut off all communication with his family and no longer identifies with Zimbabwe.
In an interview shared by CNN journalist Larry Madowo on Saturday, Gorimbo stated, “I don’t talk to any of my family members anymore. None. I don’t.” When asked if this included everyone, he replied, “Not one of them. No. I have cut all my family members off my phone. Nobody. I blocked.”
He clarified that his decision is not rooted in hatred, saying, “I love my family from far,” but explained he severed ties to protect his focus and ambitions.
Gorimbo also distanced himself from national identity. “I don’t belong to Zimbabwe. I belong to the universe. I belong to every single person that wants to take inspiration from me,” he said.
Addressing his journey, he claimed he received no support from Zimbabwe or his family. “Nobody in Zimbabwe supported me, including my own family. I had this dream by myself. I went after this by myself.”
He cited entitlement and cultural pressure, including “black tax,” as reasons for the family breakdown. “My family feels entitled. That’s how our mindsets in Africa are. They feel like my success is their success.”
Gorimbo also shared unconventional burial wishes: “If I die, I don’t want to be buried in my village, burn my body and throw my dust in Kruger National Park. That’s my wish.”
He rejected the idea of being a national symbol, stating, “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.”
Gorimbo made history as Zimbabwe’s first UFC winner but insists his success was achieved alone.
