“The Rock” Dwayne Johnson vows to help UFC fighter with $7.49 in bank account
UFC welterweight Themba Gorimbo may have been victorious inside the octagon at UFC Vegas 73 on May 20, but his biggest win may have come on Saturday night when he earned the respect of famed actor and professional wrestler, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Gorimbo, from Kyalami, Johannesburg, South Africa, defeated Takashi Sato by way of unanimous decision and later spoke about financial hardships during the post-fight media scrum.
“I’ve been broke,” Gorimbo said. “I came to America seven weeks ago without money. I only had enough money to fly, get to the airport to the gym, stayed at the gym, and then a friend sent me $200.
“It’s been a roller coaster. I didn’t have money, if you look at my bank account there’s $7 right now. In my bank account, there’s $7, and I have to enjoy this. I don’t know how much I’m getting paid. All I’ve been focused on for this fight was to get the win. The win was the most important thing, the money is the byproduct of getting the win.”
The Rock later saw a graphic on Twitter shared by ESPN recapping Gorimbo’s story and felt inclined to share some of his own past, as well as reach out to the young UFC fighter himself.
“This is f’n crazy to see and brings back many emotions and memories.
$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account.
I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind.
Got your back, brother. I’ll help.
You got this. I’ll be in touch
@TheAnswerMMA
#hardestworkersintheroom”
This is f’n crazy to see and brings back many emotions and memories.
$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account.
I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind.
Got your back, brother. I’ll help.
You got this. I’ll be in touch @TheAnswerMMA #hardestworkersintheroom https://t.co/C2gn1j7OQF— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 10, 2023
No official word as to what help The Rock will provide Gorimbo, but the 32-year-old fighter wrote back, ““Bless you brother. God’s work.”
