Controversial Zimbabwean-born professional mixed martial artist Themba Gorimbo has criticised Wicknell Chivayo and Fadzayi Mahere after they appeared to condemn his recent comments in an interview with CNN.
During the interview, Gorimbo revealed that he has cut ties with his family and his country of birth, saying he wants his remains cremated and scattered in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, as he no longer feels connected to Zimbabwe.
He added that he no longer has certain family members saved on his phone, some of whom are blocked, and insisted that he does not consider himself a Zimbabwean.
Following the interview going viral, Chivayo, who has had previous social media clashes with Gorimbo, posted his reaction online: “Takagara tazviona hedu kuti irombe iri… (We had long seen that this one is worthless.)”
In response, Gorimbo told Chivayo to leave him alone, adding that he was not a genuine businessman, as true entrepreneurs do not spend their time chasing gossip on social media or in tabloids. Wrote Gorimbo:
“Dear Wicknero… I ask you to stop these online attacks on me because I will always have a reply to you and you will not like it.
“You can bully other Zimbabweans and buy them but not me. So please refrain from attacking me because it then seems like I attack you first. I only finish. I understand you have money but that’s your money not mine.
“2026 I did not want to personally even have to see your face on my timeline. I am not one of those who beg you for money while you beg for attention.
“Why don’t you just be happy with your life. If it is really something you earned like the likes of real billionaires like Dangote (would you ever see Dangote online searching for NaijaCelebs to post him? Or comment there? Why? Because he is too busy working for his dollar.
“Respect me for what I’ve done in my life because I’ve been on places and to places you can never be or get to even with your money.
“Vanokubvunza unoita nezvei (what will be your reply? Ndinoba pano neapo? Honestly, relax, my guy. Buy more cars when you’re bored with not getting attention.”
Gorimbo also criticised former Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere, often referred to as the “Iron Lady.”
Mahere resigned from her parliamentary seat less than five months after being elected, claiming that her party, CCC, had been taken over by impostors.
On Sunday, she posted on social media: “Zimbabwe is a beautiful nation with amazing people. Given the choice, I’d pick this country over and over.”
The post angered Gorimbo, who appeared to interpret it as a criticism of his decision to disown Zimbabwe. In response, Gorimbo wrote:
“Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with amazing people but makuseni ega ega unodeedzera we need new what what semunhu anosheedzera ngome.
“Of course you will choose it over and over again because you benefited and continue to do so through your parents who were pro ([ZANU-PF])
“It’s just that people don’t like to dig deep into your past Iron man. Ini I don’t take diss lightly from anyone.
“We need new leaders but yet you had a chance and failed people who voted you to rep them.
“Chimwe chokwadi siyai tisazo kuudzai. Pusisai vamwe and continue your morning routine slogans like morning afters.
“Don’t mention my name even if you don’t really mention it . Ini I will address you direct.
“What have you done for the people of Zimbabwe actually besides posting confusing statements daily?
“I have built boreholes, even Sir [Wicknell Chivayo] vatori nane vanotombopa havo mota kana voda attention.
“Iwe you are a beneficiary of the same regime. Your primary, high school, university fees were all through the same regime.
“Now you want to make everyone believe you are actually iron what? Iron mumaiona moiziva here?”
Gorimbo is the first Zimbabwean to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His professional record stands at 14 wins and 6 losses (14-6-0 W-L-D).
Gorimbo’s most recent fight was a dramatic unanimous decision loss to Jeremiah Wells on 1 November 2025.
Born in Bikita, Masvingo, Gorimbo had a difficult childhood, losing both parents by the age of 13.
To survive, he allegedly became involved in illegal diamond mining and smuggling before fleeing to South Africa, where he took odd jobs such as gardening and working as a security guard.
Gorimbo’s life changed after watching the film Never Back Down, which inspired him to pursue mixed martial arts.
He made his professional debut in 2013, later becoming the EFC Welterweight Champion before joining the UFC.
Gorimbo gained international attention when he revealed he had only US$7 in his bank account before a fight. This prompted actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to gift him a house.
Using some of his fight earnings, Gorimbo also funded the construction of a water well in his home village in Zimbabwe, providing clean water to his community—before his recent statements about his family and country.
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