‘He Needs a Media Manager’: Zimbabweans React to Themba Gorimbo’s Post-Fight Comments After 58-Second Loss

Zimbabweans Tell Themba Gorimbo: ‘Stop Provoking, Start Listening’

Zimbabweans have taken to social media to call on MMA fighter Themba Gorimbo to hire a professional social media manager after his 58-second loss to Vicente Luque at UFC 310 in Las Vegas. The fiery fighter, known for his outspoken nature, sparked debate with an emotional post accusing Zimbabweans of wishing him ill.

• WATCH: How Themba Gorimbo Lost UFC Fight in Record-Breaking 52 Seconds

Gorimbo’s Emotional Response

After the loss, Gorimbo took to social media, accusing some Zimbabweans of wishing him ill. He posted:

“It’s crazy how many people were waiting for this day for over a year. My loss won’t make you win in life. If you understand this, you will win life. I lost today, but I’ve won in life. God has opened doors for me that cannot be closed… Before the fight, there were no good luck [messages], but after this loss, so many posts. I take all in and trust me, I am going to make a comeback. Cinderella man. We back at Cinderella again.”

His post drew mixed reactions. Some criticised him for provoking people with his previous statements, while others offered support.

Calls for Professionalism

Social media users quickly weighed in, with many advising Gorimbo to tone down his rhetoric and hire a professional to manage his accounts.

Noisy Neighbour tweeted:

“He needs a media manager to manage all his social media accounts, issuing calculated and careful responses. He is not in ‘Kansas anymore.’”

Engr. Soko Murehwa added:

“I don’t think it was necessary for him to comment. What made people laugh at him first? Does he have a manager? Anyway, I have already wished him a good comeback.”

Some felt Gorimbo’s tone contributed to the backlash. The African wrote:

“He made the bed he’s on at the moment. He could have chosen to not be part of any party… Haa ndeyake iyi.”

Humility Advised

Many commentators also urged Gorimbo to tone down his provocative nature and practise humility.

“Fear Fokol” (@wefallnrise) posted,

“Someone should tell him to repeat his nonsense about Winky D now. Maybe this loss will teach him to respect others.”

Another user, “The Village Shoroma” (@katunizi), said,

“He must learn to hold his tongue. He talks too much.”

Not everyone criticised the fighter. Some came to his defence, urging Zimbabweans to stand by him in his difficult time. Munashe Chiyadzwa (@CC78641327) tweeted,

“He is one of our own. We should stand with him in times like this.”

A More Conciliatory Approach

After facing criticism, Gorimbo deleted his initial post and shared a video with a softer tone. He addressed his critics, saying:

“I know some of you are smiling. I hope your life is great because mine is really good. God has blessed me to be here, and I want to keep on working hard. Try what I do and see if this is easy. To those who are celebrating because I lost, I love you guys. Life is good. I went to sleep, but I’m up now.”

What do you think? Should Themba Gorimbo hire a social media manager to manage his public image better?