When Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson came across a struggling UFC star on Twitter who admitted he only had $US 7 (approx. $10.63) to his name, he wanted to do more than just give him a shoutout online.
The actor took it upon himself to visit the rising star, Themba Gorimbo, in Miami where he was living and training.
Gorimbo previously shared with ESPN that he had lived a hard life. His mother died when he was nine, and his father four years later, leaving him without guidance.
At age 16 he had to travel to the fields of his native Masvingo in Zimbabwe to illegally dig for Marange diamonds.
Watch the video above.
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Gorimbo made his UFC debut this year, and though he was defeated by AJ Fletcher in February, three months later he emerged victorious over Takashi Sato for the first time.
But instead of making sure he had all the tools to continue on in his fighting career, he sold the gear he used in the fight and used his UFC earnings of about $US 7000 (approx. 10,630) to send money back to Zimbabwe to fund a well in his village so his family and neighbours would have safe drinking water.
When ESPN had revealed that Gorimbo at one point only had $US 7.49 (approx. $11.37) to his name, Johnson felt compelled to share his story.
“This is f—–g crazy to see and brings back many emotions and memories,” he had tweeted, “$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account. I once had $7 too. I’ve been there on that grind. Got your back, brother. I’ll help.”
The former wrestler made good on his promise, sharing a clip on Twitter, of him sneaking up behind Gorimbo as the young star was recounting their Twitter interaction in an interview.
Once he figured out who had dropped in, Gorimbo jumped into Johnson’s arms in a long and passionate embrace.
Johnson was honoured to meet Gorimbo, telling him, “When I found out you had $7 in your bank account, I know what that’s like. I was here in Miami when I had $7, but then also you win your second fight, then you sell your fight kit, you buy a water well for your village in Zimbabwe so your people can have clean water.
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“Because you could have taken that money and put it down on a car, on an apartment, but you didn’t. You took care of your people, and that just says exactly who you are, and that’s why I flew all the way in. Just to look you in the eyes and tell you, I got your back.”
A star struck Gorimbo then led the Hollywood star to his sleeping quarters, explaining that he was so desperate to come and train in Miami that he begged his boss to let him sleep anywhere.
He showed his meagre living situation – consisting of a pull-out sofa, a mini-fridge, his suitcase, but what caught The Rock’s eye was a list hung up amongst the belongings, titled “My Reason”.
Gorimbo explained that the list is what keeps him motivated, being topped with “I fight for my kids’ smiles”.
The list also says he fights “for my village” and “for those who believe in me”.
After witnessing Gorimbo’s living conditions, the Moana actor asked him to accompany him to meet someone who was well connected in the industry, taking him to a waterside property.
The Rock then feigned a phone call, pointing out the pictures in the house to Gorimbo.
But when the young fighter looked, he found his own face staring back at him, along with those of his kids.
Putting two and two together, he embraced Johnson, who handed over a key, telling the rising UFC star, “I wanted to look you in the eye and wanted to tell you welcome home.”
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In the caption of the video, the 51-year-old wrote, “You and your family enjoy your new house brother. Lights are on. Bills are paid. Keep your ‘My Reason’ list close, keep taking care of your people and I’m honored to play a very, very small role in your $7 bucks journey.
“$7 bucks. I’ve been there too. Got your back brother. Let’s get to work on that dream of becoming @ufc champion one day.”
After Gorimbo processed the incredible gift, he wiped his tears and told Johnson that he will use the money he had saved for getting accommodation himself on building another well in Zimbabwe.
He vowed to his idol, “You inspired me to work hard. I will become a champion, trust me.”
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