US-BASED Zimbabwean Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Themba Gorimbo’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight against Irishman Kiefer Crosbie which was scheduled for February 3 has been cancelled following the latter’s injury.
Gorimbo debuted in the Octagon with a loss to A.J. Fletcher at UFC Fight Night 219 in February last year and bounced back to secure his first win in the lucrative mixed martial arts franchise against Sato in May.
Now Gorimbo’s return to the Octagon has been delayed due to a Crosbie injury, but it is understood that a new opponent is being sought for the Zimbabwean fighter.
Gorimbo did not take lightly to Crosbie’s withdrawal in the wake of a war of words between the two fighters since their fight was announced back in November.
The 32-year-old Zimbabwean shared a screenshot of direct message exchange between him and Crosbie where the Irishman mentioned an injury was to blame for the pullout.
"It’s never nice to hear your opponent got injured," Gorimbo said on X, formerly Twitter, and he attached screenshots of their private conversation on the post.
"This guy had so much to say about me and now I guess he needs the insurance. Lesson is (don’t be a hater). Be Lekker and good things shall come your way. case closed."
In one screenshot, Crosbie made a mocking post on X, on November 21 last year following the announcement of their fight and said,: "I hope your daddy @therock bought you life insurance to go along with that gaf you little moocher because I’m coming for that head!"
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Crosbie was poking fun at Gorimbo, who was given a home by Dwayne Johnson after announcing he had just US$7 in his bank account.
"I would tag him (Dwayne Johnson) on this post but he already has me blocked on all platforms 1 nil to me so far," Crosbie said in another message back then.
After the cancellation of the fight Gorimbo commented on that post.
"It’s funny what happens when you have so much to say about someone whom you don’t even know then go on to pull out of the fight. Unlike you, I wish you nothing, but recovery from whatever it is that was injured. (yes it’s fight business but try watch a little on what you put out. You now need the medical insurance. Good luck with everything in your life. (we all not perfect, but spread love not hate. Be yourself. Your mind thinks you selling a fight that is on a fight night is mind blowing) There can only be one Connor my man. Anyways, bye," he said.
Crosbie responded to Gorimbo: "Relax yourself mate I'm injured. This is the fight game, our job is to entertain and fight, don't take things so seriously. We can fight in a couple of months when I am healthy."
Gorimbo replied, "There is entertainment and disrespect. You must relax yourself. I guess the lesson didn't sink in."
Last year, Gorimbo installed a borehole in his rural home in Muvuti in the Bikita District, Zimbabwe from the proceeds he received selling his fight kit after his first UFC victory in Las Vegas earlier this year. It is Gorimbo’s dream to become the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC world title and he wants to achieve that feat by the end of 2024.
