Zimbabwean UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has publicly rejected an offer by businessman Wicknell Chivayo to pay his medical bills, instead challenging him to fund critical medical equipment for Masvingo General Hospital.
By Advent Shoko
The explosive response has reignited tensions between the US-based fighter and one of Zimbabwe’s most polarosing businessmen, dragging politics, governance, public healthcare and personal principles into the spotlight.
Gorimbo’s remarks came after Chivayo told Capitalk 100.4 FM that he held no bad blood with the Zimbabwean fighter and was willing to cover his medical expenses following his bruising UFC defeat in Australia last weekend.
But Gorimbo was having none of it.
In a fiery social media statement packed with sarcasm, emotion and political undertones, the outspoken fighter accused Chivayo of chasing “clout and likes” while insisting he would never accept money from individuals he believes are linked to corruption and state capture.
“I Have Morals”
Gorimbo, who has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal critic of corruption and governance failures in Zimbabwe, did not mince his words.
The fighter revealed that he once unsuccessfully sought financial assistance before a UFC bout in 2022, claiming Chivayo ignored his request despite knowing his struggles at the time.
“Medical bills 😂 So in 2022 when I needed $1500 before UFC you blue tick me and I really needed money then after your homie Scott (Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya) screw me over my money😂😉”
He then dismissed Chivayo’s latest public gesture, arguing that his UFC medical expenses are already covered by insurance.
“I am sure you aware all my medical bills are covered by UFC insurance you want to go to podcast and say oh I can pay Themba Bills for clout and likes.”
The Zimbabwean fighter also referenced a previous encounter at an airport, claiming he once refused to take a picture with Chivayo.
“Just like kuramba kwandakaita kutorwa pic newe pa airport ndinoramba Mari yako. I don’t hate you Wicked but grudge redu hariperi soon.”
But perhaps the strongest line came when Gorimbo framed the issue as one of conscience and principle rather than money.
“No matter how hungry a lion is, he will not eat grass.”
Call To Help Public Hospitals
Instead of paying his bills, Gorimbo urged Chivayo to channel the money towards Zimbabwe’s struggling healthcare system, specifically calling for a dialysis machine at Masvingo General Hospital.
Zimbabwe’s public hospitals have for years faced serious shortages of equipment, medication and specialist services, forcing many patients to either seek private healthcare or go untreated.
Dialysis machines remain critically scarce in several provinces, with kidney patients often travelling long distances or paying huge costs for treatment.
Gorimbo used that reality to challenge Chivayo directly.
“So please use the money you want to pay the medical bills for me and use it to buy a dialysis machine at Masvingo General Hospital if you really meant it.
If you do that then maybe I will reconsider my feelings towards you. When you deliver this let me know.”
The remarks immediately triggered intense debate online, with supporters praising Gorimbo for standing by his principles while others accused him of politicising a goodwill gesture.
Longstanding Critic Of Government Excesses
Gorimbo has, in recent years, become increasingly outspoken on governance and corruption issues affecting Zimbabwe.
Although best known internationally for his UFC career and inspirational rise from poverty to global competition, the fighter has also built a reputation for openly criticising alleged corruption, maladministration and what he calls political enablers benefiting while ordinary Zimbabweans struggle.
Chivayo has frequently found himself at the centre of public debate over his wealth, government-linked contracts and flamboyant lifestyle.
That broader political context explains why the latest exchange has resonated far beyond sport.
To many Zimbabweans, the confrontation represents two sharply different public images:
Gorimbo, the fighter presenting himself as grounded, principled and connected to ordinary struggles.
Chivayo, the wealthy businessman often associated with political power, luxury and controversy.
Defeat In Australia Sparked Fresh Attention
The latest drama comes just days after Gorimbo suffered a painful split-decision defeat to Australia’s Jonathan Micallef at a UFC event in Perth.
The Zimbabwean came close to ending his losing streak in a highly competitive fight that sparked debate among fans and analysts.
After a slow opening round, Gorimbo produced an impressive second-round display featuring sharp combinations and dominant grappling before ultimately losing narrowly on the judges’ scorecards.
Despite the defeat, many supporters praised his resilience, fighting spirit and continued development inside the octagon.
However, it is now his comments outside the cage that are dominating conversation.
More Than Just A Personal Feud
What began as an offer to help with medical bills has quickly evolved into a wider national conversation about public healthcare, political morality and the role of wealthy elites in Zimbabwean society.
At the centre of it all stands Gorimbo, bruised from battle in Australia, but once again refusing to separate sport from the issues affecting ordinary Zimbabweans back home.
And in rejecting Chivayo’s money while calling for life-saving hospital equipment instead, the fighter may have delivered a message far more powerful than anything said inside the octagon.
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