MMA fighters are typically known to be some of the fiercest athletes in all of sports, which is a necessity in any combat sport. However, one UFC fighter was moved to tears when he met a hero of his in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in pop culture due to both his successful acting career and his time in the WWE.
Plenty of fans would love to meet Johnson, but UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo had that dream come through thanks to an inspirational story that he told in his last UFC fight.
Gorimbo told his incredible story after his first UFC victory back in May, revealing to the world that he only had $7 in his bank account prior to the fight.
Themba Gorimbo's story is incredible 👏 (h/t @TheAnswerMMA) pic.twitter.com/Ky1eJQG0gy
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 22, 2023
Johnson took notice of his admission and vowed that he would help him out and eventually the two would meet.
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
Johnson said that he would be in touch, and it seems like he held up his end of the bargain. Johnson posted a tweet on Friday of him surprising Gorimbo at his gym while the UFC fighter was doing an interview in the octagon.
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… pic.twitter.com/8QIDa7PJTY
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 27, 2023
The two shared a big embrace as Gorimbo realized who was behind him, and he was quickly moved to tears after the two stopped hugging.
It was obviously an incredibly emotional and powerful moment, and the video has since gone viral with 8.9 million views on Twitter. Many were incredibly happy that this awesome interaction between the two was captured for the world to see.
Amazing https://t.co/CHzZRmSP6w
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 27, 2023
This is heartwarming.
As a Zimbabwean who has lived a non-trivial amount of time outside of Zimbabwe, it's never lost on me how the generosity and kindness of strangers abroad can be uplifting and sometimes life changing 🙏🙏 https://t.co/n8yTztcm4L
— Hope Tariro Ndhlovu 🇿🇼🇺🇸🇬🇧🇰🇪 (@hope_ndhlovu) July 28, 2023
Beautiful 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/kk9yUyK82l
— Lawrence Tynes (@lt4kicks) July 28, 2023
Dwayne Johnson is a great human being. He has been blessed with tremendous ability, talent, and opportunity which he has taken advantage of, yet he has never forgotten what he came from, what it took to be a success, and how others have been much less fortunate. I love the dude ! https://t.co/OcH1cMCKvb
— franko65 (@Raiderfrank65) July 27, 2023
For a man to make another man shed tears of joy publicly, the positive and nurturing impact that has to ripple to the depths of their soul for that to happen, is truly beautiful. ❤ https://t.co/4RBoOHmz6a
— Wambiakale (@HardyWambiakale) July 28, 2023
Johnson has done far more than just a simple interaction for Gorimbo. Gorimbo reached out to Zimcelebs.com to reveal that Johnson actually gifted him a fully furnished house in Miami, as he previously slept on a couch inside of the gym he trained at.
Gorimbo took to social media after his interaction with the movie star to express his gratitude for all that he has done for him.
“My brother, words can’t describe how I feel. You have changed our lives forever. I will use this motivation in every step of the way.”
My brother , words can’t describe how I feel . You have changed our lives forever .
I will use this motivation in every step of the way .
❤️ https://t.co/kHluBNoA4X— Themba T L Gorimbo (@TheAnswerMMA) July 28, 2023
