Themba Gorimbo beats Pete Rodriguez in 32 seconds
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Themba Gorimbo of Zimbabwe punches Pete Rodriguez in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 03, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)](https://i0.wp.com/hararelive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Gorimbo-Deadgame.jpg.webp?resize=711%2C470&ssl=1)
Zimbabwean UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo impressed his followers when he beat his opponent within 32 seconds in his best-ever performance yesterday.
At UFC Vegas 85, Gorimbo was paired up with Pete Rodriguez, aka “Dead Game,” with both men looking for their second straight win inside the octagon. It didn’t take long for the fight to be over, and it was Themba Gorimbo putting on a short, impressive display.
Gorimbo connected early with a heavy punch, an overhand right that left Rodriguez stunned. The UFC’s only Zimbabwean fighter then followed up with several ground strikes that left Rodriguez dazed, with the ref diving in to wave things off and save “Dead Game” from further damage.
As pointed out on the broadcast, Themba Gorimbo called the first-round finish ahead of the fight. In his post-fight interview, he thanked The Rock for changing his life. “You changed my life in a better way, and I’m going to change someone’s life every single day in a better way,” Gorimbo exclaimed following the fight.
Official Result: Themba Gorimbo def. Pete Rodriguez by TKO (strikes), Round 1, 0:32