"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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices