Photo Courtesy of IG (@therock)
In the world of MMA, fighters are known for their toughness, resilience, and unyielding spirit. But when Zimbabwe-born MMA fighter Themba Gorimbo crossed paths with the one and only Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, even he couldn’t hold back the tears of joy.
After a triumphant victory in the UFC against Takashi Sato, Gorimbo shared a candid revelation – he had only $7 in his bank account before stepping into the octagon for that life-changing fight. Moved by the fighter’s story, Dwayne Johnson, the legendary WWE icon turned Hollywood superstar, tweeted that he would “be in touch.”
And true to his word, The Rock didn’t just reach out with words of encouragement, but he took it to a whole new level of kindness. Johnson flew to Miami to surprise Themba Gorimbo during his training session, catching him completely off guard.
As Gorimbo was being interviewed at the training facility, Johnson stealthily approached him from behind. The MMA fighter turned around and, to his utter disbelief, found himself face to face with The Rock. The shock on Gorimbo’s face was evident as he jumped out of his seat to embrace the man he admired.
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Alongside the heartwarming video, Johnson wrote, “We’ve never met but I had to fly to Miami to look this man @TheAnswerMMA in the eyes, hug him and shake his hand. I’ve been moved & motivated by his story. He recently won his first fight in the @ufc. He had $7 bucks in his bank account when he won. He sleeps on a couch in the gym. After the fight, he sold his fight gear (trunks & gloves) on line and made $7,000. Instead of using the money to find a place to live, he built a bush pump so his village back in Zimbabwe can have clean water. He never asked me for anything, but I just wanted to help the guy out. $7 Bucks ya know. And I felt the MANA & emotion in every hug. Very good and very special day. #thembagorimbo.”
During their meeting, he gifted Themba Gorimbo his own apartment. The Rock’s generous gesture meant that Gorimbo would no longer have to sleep on a gym couch. Overwhelmed with emotion, Gorimbo thanked Johnson profusely for this incredible act of kindness.
In a world where tough fighters often wear a stoic mask, this touching encounter between Johnson and Gorimbo reminds us that behind every strong individual is a vulnerable human being, and sometimes, tears of joy are the most powerful expression of gratitude and connection.