Dwayne “The Rock”Johnson
By Dickson Bandera
Themba Gorimbo’s celebration for a win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was trebbled recently when WWE and Hollywood superstar, Dwayne “The Rock”Johnson announced that he would offer financial assistance to the martial arts super star.
Gorimbo outclassed Japan’s Takashi Sato at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas with a unanimous 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27 decision, but a relevation about his sorry financial situation just before the match moved Johnson into action.
In a post-fight media statement, Gorimbo shared a startling story of a fighter who is determined against all odds, revealing he was hell broke, with only $7. 49 in his bank account, just before the match in Las Vegas.
“I’ve been broke. 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,” he said.
“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.”
His message, shared by ESPN, found its way into The Rock’s ears, prompting the Hollywood actor to pledge financial help to the Zimbabwean fighter.
“$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.”
Dwayne struggled early on in life but was recently named one of the highest-paid actors in the world by Forbes. As of June 2023, Dwayne Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $800 Million.
Johnson’s financial struggles in early life inspired him to take life with a different approach. He named the company he co-founded with his wife Dany Garcia in 2012, Seven Bucks Productions and is engaged in various charity works.
Seven Bucks Productions is a multi-platform production company pioneering original content for television, film, emerging technologies, and digital networks.
The Rock described Gorimbo’s situation as “crazy” adding that it brought back many emotions and memories.
Financial help to Gorimbo will go a long way in fulfilling his dreams which are not pushed only by personal gratification but community interests.
The reigning Zimbabwe Sportsperson of the year engages in various philanthropic work that include a gym in South Africa where community members train for free. He is also carrying out developmental projects in his rural home, Bikita.
