Themba Gorimbo has set his sights on an uncommon feat in UFC history – achieving the transition from an unranked fighter to a champion within a single calendar year.
Despite having only three fights in the promotion and not yet being recognized as a title contender in the UFC welterweight division, Gorimbo (12-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) remains determined to compete for and secure the UFC belt in 2024.
Following his first-round knockout victory at UFC Fight Night 235 last Saturday, Gorimbo expressed his belief in an expedited and unconventional journey to the title.
While some may find it challenging to buy into his aspirations, the welterweight fighter envisions a scenario where he engages in a short-notice bout against a top-10 opponent, emerges victorious, and subsequently makes his case for a title shot.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Gorimbo outlined his strategy, saying, “It’s going to happen. What’s going to happen is that it’s going to be something like a short-notice fight with a top-10 (opponent). I’ll beat him, and then I’ll make my case. It’s not going to be a clear pathway (where) I have to fight through the rankings. I don’t have to do that. When I look at it, I have a big platform. Secondly, I have the skill and I’m a bad fight for anyone in the top 10. They might not think of it, but I am.”
Despite a submission loss in his UFC debut, Gorimbo has since secured two consecutive victories – a decision win over Takashi Sato in May and the recent knockout of Rodriguez.
Gorimbo gained widespread attention outside the octagon with a viral reaction video expressing gratitude for a house gifted to him by movie star and WWE wrestler Dwayne Johnson.
The 33-year-old fighter, who had previously been sleeping at his gym with only a few dollars to his name, believes that things will continue to align in his favor, leading him to an unexpected title shot. He envisions facing either champion Leon Edwards or the undefeated title contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“It’s not going to be the case where I have to go top 15, top 10, top five,” Gorimbo asserted. “For me, I don’t wish anyone to get injured, but someone is going to get out of the fight. The UFC is going to send them a name, and the name is Themba Gorimbo, and they’ll have no choice but to accept it. And then I go in there and do my job, win, and it will be Leon or Rakhmonov. I believe those are the two guys at the top when I get there.”
