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Themba Gorimbo: From Blood Diamond mines in Zimbabwe to the UFC to The Rock’s life changing gesture

2024-12-27 Sports
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The Pivot Podcast
The Pivot Podcast
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SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUnxiP7q4RDDyeioZFZLnXA?sub_confirmation=1 This episode is brought to you by NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. So treat yourself this holiday season. Bundle NFL Sunday Ticket and YouTube TV — and watch every game, every Sunday rest of regular season for ONLY $49. Sign up now at https://youtube.com/pivotpod "I lost the fight, I didn't lose the journey." Themba Gorimbo UFC Fighter As we wrap up 2024, we have a conversation with a young athlete who has defied the odds in every aspect of life, endured unimaginable challenges and is now sharing his extraordinary journey with Ryan, Channing and Fred on this episode of The Pivot Podcast. Themba Gorimbo, is coming off a devastating loss in UFC 310 to Vincente Luque and shares how the past couple weeks he hasn't wanted to wake up and details the moments he remembers after his 52 second defeat in Las Vegas at T Mobile Arena, how his country turned on him and how the negative words and reception from fans across the world has crippled him mentally and emotionally. But despite the pain he feels, Themba is reminded of how lucky he is to be alive today after a life of danger, trauma and instability. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Themba's path to the UFC was anything but conventional. Hearing his story, the guys react as if it's a movie playing out as Themba details his childhood of dealing blood diamonds, being held hostage, running for his life, his family dying in front of him and escaping the unthinkable to make it to the land of opportunity. And then like any Hollywood film, a hero comes along to save him except this isn't Hollywood, this is Themba's true reality. Themba tells Ryan, Channing and Fred how his will to survive led him to the octagon, seeking a career in Mixed Martial Arts as he shares how on the morning of his first real fight, he only had $7.49 to his name and posted about it to show how he was down and could come back up. His message caught more attention than he could hope for, when Dwayne The Rock Johnson saw it and stepped in to help change Themba's life forever... The Rock may be Themba's real life saver but the true hero is Themba himself as his story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Coming off a heartbreaking loss brought on tears of embarrassment and hurt pride, but he is showing signs of strength again by opening up and trying to rise again. From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of professional fighting, his unwavering work ethic, sacrifices made along the way and the pivotal moments that shaped the man he is today, this conversation goes beyond the cage and into the heart of what it means to pivot when life throws the hardest punches. Episode is streaming now and full video conversation on YouTube and don't forget to hit the subscribe button as we turn the page to a new year and new chapter ahead. GET MERCH HERE: https://www.pivotpodcast.com FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://facebook.com/thepivotpodcast SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5KtXTWiC3J5WW1CVTpYG5V APPLE PODCASTS | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pivot-podcast/id1603292451 #ThePivot #Podcast #RyanClark #ChanningCrowder #FredTaylor #NFL

Top Comments (10)

@ijayk 2024-12-28

I think this episode is one of my best episodes. He is so open and vulnerable with Ryan.

114
@Melody7778-u1j 2024-12-28

Hey Themba, I’m your sister from Zim watching from the UK, please know that at this point God first, your nuclear family second..God brought you where you are and no one else..He is the one who will take you far..be wise to discern what you respond to and who to help, family etc.. remain kind and gracious..we are rooting for you my brother..God bless x

102 6 replies
@thesickdirector 2024-12-30

I saw a reel on IG and immediately came to YouTube to watch the full podcast. Initially, I told myself I’d only watch for 15 minutes before going back to my Netflix show, but this man’s story hit me so deeply, I didn’t even realize when I ended up watching the entire episode of this podcast. His energy is incredible, truly an inspiration!

94 4 replies
@carpediem9015 2024-12-27

Damn, this one has me in tears! Belief in the quiet and through the noise is what will help get this man over this hurdle. To hear the guys, especially Freddy T break it down and b a big brother to him was beautiful. He needs more big brothers who need/want nothing from him but true friendship! His tears of hurt/frustration come from his passion for the sport & not wanting to let certain people down. Praying for him as God has greater things in store for him that he can’t yet see for himself. 🙏🏾👏🏾🫶🏾💐

82
@lexinmotion1013 2024-12-27

I’m not even half way through the show and it’s so inspiring! We can lose the fight.. but not the journey. So inspired. Another hit guys! ❤️

78
@deevelynoliphant1723 2024-12-30

One thing about the pivot when you watch these episodes it’s like sitting in a therapy session love this episode

36 1 replies
@takemoremazuruse6177 2024-12-28

We are super proud of this hommie. Keep them coming Themba, the only way is up. Indeed life is not about the wins and losses, it’s about the journey.

32
@NovalordXO 2025-01-02

I cried several times watching this interview. This guy really had it bad. Am from Africa too and had so many hardships growing up. I would tell myself i really have it bad. I realize now that no matter how bad our situation is there is always someone in far worse position. We have to dig deep and keep pushing no matter what to get our lives to work out. This is manliest man i have seen. He has been so determined and consistently kind and humble. That is something i want keep with me and emulate for the rest of my life. Mr Themba Gorimbo you are truly an inspiration to all of us in Africa. We love you and we stand behind you. ❤ Much love from Zambia ❤❤❤

31
@onismomhute7353 2024-12-28

Proud of you Themba keep shining. You are an inspiration to millions. Sky is the limit.

29
@ribhkahperkins8111 2025-01-03

This interview had me in tears. I wish positive vibes and a healed heart for this man.

5

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