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Zimbabwe’s first fighter to achieve a victory in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Themba Gorimbo, has sparked debate by stating he has severed ties with his family and no longer feels connected to his home country.

Gorimbo expressed these comments during an interview posted on X (formerly Twitter) by CNN reporter Larry Madowo on Saturday, a video that has now become widely popular online.

During the interview, the mixed martial artist revealed that he intentionally cut off contact with his family in order to maintain his concentration and chase his goals without interruptions.

I no longer speak to any of my family members. None at all,” he said. When asked if that applied to everyone, he replied, “Not a single one. No. I have removed all my family members from my phone. No one. I’ve blocked them.

Even though the decision was made, Gorimbo insisted his actions were not driven by hatred. “I love my family from afar,” he stated.

The mixed martial arts competitor also distanced himself from his national identity, expressing that he does not see himself as being from Zimbabwe.

“I am not from Zimbabwe. I belong to the universe. I belong to every individual who seeks motivation from me,” he stated.

Gorimbo went on to express his funeral preferences, mentioning that he does not wish to be buried in his hometown.

“If I pass away, I don’t wish to be buried in my village; instead, cremate my body and scatter my ashes in Kruger National Park. That is my desire,” he stated.

When questioned if he currently embodies the hopes of Zimbabwean and African youth, Gorimbo dismissed the notion of national ownership.

“I am not tied to a specific country because I desire freedom. When I am free, I am content. And when I am content, I become a threat. That is what matters most to me,” he stated.

Dealing with potential negative reactions from Zimbabweans who view him as a beacon of hope, Gorimbo stated that he did not receive any backing from his homeland throughout his path.

“No one in Zimbabwe backed me, not even my own family. I had this dream alone. I pursued it by myself,” he stated.

He remembered facing ridicule for opting for mixed martial arts, explaining how his aspirations were seen as a route to defeat.

“Individuals mocked me. They claimed I was engaging in an activity that results in financial hardship. You are aware that you come from Africa—when you act differently from the norm, you understand the situation,” he stated, alluding to societal norms concerning formal schooling and traditional jobs.

Although he continues to have friends in Zimbabwe, Gorimbo made a clear difference between personal connections and national identity. “Of course, I have friends from Zimbabwe and I care for them. We communicate, and they stand by me. However, when you mention Zimbabwe, you’re referring to the entire nation,” he stated.

He also mentioned that, whenever feasible, he would alter his last name. “Even if I had the chance, I would change my surname. I can simply be known as Temba. That’s all,” he stated.

Although he continues to have friends in Zimbabwe, Gorimbo made a difference between personal connections and national identity.

“My family believes they are owed. That’s the way we think in Africa. They see my success as their own. They feel they have a right to their person,” he said.

Describing the disintegration of family ties, Gorimbo mentioned a sense of entitlement and cultural expectations, including what he referred to as “black tax.”

“Black tax is a genuine issue in Africa. We are unable to refuse when people ask for money. We can’t say no to anything,” he stated.

Reaffirming his position, Gorimbo stated that severing ties with his family was a deliberate choice aimed at safeguarding his future.

“I cherish my family from afar because if I continue communicating with my family members, I won’t reach my objective,” he stated.

He ended by repeating his burial preference and reiterating his autonomy. “If I pass away, incinerate my body and scatter my ashes in Kruger National Park. That’s my desire,” he stated.

Gorimbo, who has recently created history by becoming the first fighter from Zimbabwe to win in the UFC, mentioned that his path to achievement was one he took solo.

Watch the video below: