UFC welterweight Themba Golimbo is asking it a profession.
Following three straight losses contained in the Octagon, the 35-year-old veteran introduced his retirement from competitors on social media. With the possibility to grow to be UFC champion seemingly out of attain, Golimbo has determined to hold up his gloves for good, however he could finally return to the game in one other function exterior of combating.
“Thanks UFC and everybody. I attempted to be somebody or one thing and failed,” Golimbo wrote on Instagram. “I am strolling away from this sport as a result of I’ve given it my all. My dream is to grow to be a UFC champion, but when I am unable to do this, I’ll stroll away from the game. It is not straightforward, however I have been attempting.”
“Perhaps sooner or later I am going to come again as a coach or supervisor, however for now I will be specializing in my household.
I want to thank everybody I’ve met alongside the way in which and everybody who has helped me alongside the way in which.
I’ve formally retired from blended martial arts as an athlete. ”
Golimbo first joined the UFC roster in 2023, however misplaced in his debut to AJ Fletcher.
It was across the time of Golimbo’s first win that yr that he stated he solely had $7 in his checking account earlier than the battle. Regardless of his monetary difficulties, Golimbo has introduced plans to public sale off his battle package and use the proceeds to fund a water nicely he’s constructing in his native Zimbabwe.
His philanthropic efforts caught the eye of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a longtime battle fan and present govt at TKO Group Holdings, proprietor of the UFC.
Johnson shocked Golimbo by shopping for him a home in Florida, the place he lived full time within the again room of the fitness center the place he skilled. An emotional Golimbo was deeply grateful for Johnson’s present, and it wasn’t lengthy earlier than he was on a powerful four-fight successful streak within the UFC.
Nevertheless, that led to 2024 when Golimbo confronted Vicente Luque at UFC 310 and scored in simply 52 seconds. Golimbo then added two extra losses, together with a cut up determination to Jonathan Micallef at UFC Perth in Might.
Golimbo determined that he had had sufficient after three consecutive losses and introduced his retirement.
If that is certainly the top, Golimbo will retire with a complete of 14 wins and seven losses, together with 4 wins and 4 losses within the UFC.
