Themba Gorimbo Snubs Sir Wicknell Again: “I Can’t Be Bought”
Zimbabwean UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has once again ignited debate on social media after publicly rejecting an apparent offer from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, declaring he could not be bought and even boasting about ignoring the flamboyant mogul at the airport.
In a no-holds-barred post published on Facebook on Wednesday 25 June 2025, Gorimbo wrote:
“Ini handitengeke futi. Mutambo wandinoita unoda good energy. Ukadziya moto wembavha watova mbavha too. I refused this so-called gesture in December. Ndisiye. Saw him on the airport and ignored him futi.”
Loosely translated, Gorimbo’s post reads:
“I can’t be bought anymore. The sport I play requires good energy. If you warm by a thief’s fire, you become a thief too[ If you are associate with a thief, then you are also a thief]. I refused this so-called gesture in December. Leave me alone. I saw him at the airport and ignored him again.”
His remarks appeared to be in response to a Facebook post by Sir Wicknell, who was attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi and wrote:
“I love Boxing & MMA. The young man Themba Gorimbo is doing well representing our great country. Pane zvidiki zvandichamuitira.” (There are some small things I will do for him.)
A fighter with a fiery past on social media
The rejection marks another chapter in Gorimbo’s chequered social media history with Zimbabweans, which has included controversial political associations, culture wars, public spats, and an infamous 52-second UFC loss that sparked widespread trolling.
After the loss to Vicente Luque at UFC 310 in December 2024, Gorimbo deactivated his Facebook account amid harsh criticism and trolling. Zimbabweans accused him of arrogance and political affiliation, particularly with the ruling ZANU-PF, following photos of him at State House.
At the time, he responded:
“I am never politically involved in my country… Yes, I’ve been to the State House because it’s our president, and if you accomplish something in your field… you’re invited. That doesn’t mean you’re politically involved.”
He went on to emphasise:
“I am a free man, and I support freedom.”
Yet, public sentiment remained mixed. Some accused him of hubris, especially after his criticism of Zimdancehall star Winky D — a beloved figure known for politically charged lyrics. Gorimbo’s earlier dismissal of Winky D as irrelevant drew strong backlash.
Themba 2.0? Rebrand or redemption?
In a dramatic turnaround this week, Gorimbo appeared to be rebranding his image, going so far as to praise Winky D on Facebook and calling him:
“Real speaker of the truth. Leader of the youth.”
He admitted fault over his previous mockery of the musician, writing:
“Ndakambobhaiza paya with that joke hameno zvanga zvandipindawo
. But honestly I respect this gentleman… Zero fear, 100% courage.”
Many interpreted the post as a strategic move to realign himself with ordinary Zimbabweans after months of tension. In a follow-up, he stated that his priority was no longer fame, but rather being the “people’s champion”:
“I aspire to be the people’s champion before being UFC champion. Speak what’s on everyone’s mind. Speak what they fear.”
His about-face received praise from some followers, with one writing:
“You are now walking in a good positive path, Gorimbo the Gaffa champ.”
“Saw him at the airport and ignored him futi”
Gorimbo’s renewed assertiveness has divided opinion yet again. His public refusal of Sir Wicknell’s gesture — which was never detailed but widely speculated to be a financial or material gift — is being seen by supporters as a principled stand.
Wellington Tarasika praised the move:
“You just won another MMA award by turning down his offer.”
Bless Wekwachipfocho echoed:
“Saw him ku airport and ignored him futi… inini I will do the same.”
(Saw him at the airport and ignored him again… I will do the same.)
Yet critics remain cautious. Some question whether this rebrand is genuine or a calculated response to past PR failures. After facing calls to hire a media manager, Gorimbo had previously lashed out at critics for questioning his authenticity, particularly after posting traditional Zimbabwean food online.
He responded to the backlash with:
“I post my way, my culture and my life. Have a bad day.”
As Zimbabweans continue to debate his motives and message, one thing is clear: Themba Gorimbo refuses to be silent or subdued. Whether his latest moves win him more fans or fresh backlash, he remains one of the most talked-about figures in Zimbabwean sport.
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The post “Handitengeke Futi”: Themba Gorimbo Scoffs At Wicknell Chivayo’s Offer Again – Brags About Ignoring Him appeared first on iHarare News.
