Following his unanimous decision win against Nikki Price, Themba Gorimbo is ready to face other formidable opponents.
Zimbabwean fighter Themba Gorimbo is currently in training camp as a backup prospect for the Vicente Luque vs Nick Diaz bout. Although the UFC hasn’t asked the fighter to do this, the fighter plans on being ready.
Gorimbo is coming off a recent win over Nikki Price and believes he has a chance at this fight. The fighter doesn’t wish any of the opponents ill, but it’s been over three years since Diaz made an appearance in the cage, and Gorimbo doesn’t believe the fighter is up to it.
“I am here in Las Vegas right now preparing as if I am fighting on the 7th of December against Vicente Luque,” Gorimbo told MMA Fighting. “If it so happens that Diaz doesn’t show up to the party, I’m here and I’m ready. Vice versa, if Luque does not want to show up to the party, I will show up and fight Diaz. That’s where I am standing right now, and that’s the fight I am looking at.
“When I left Miami, I said tell Vicente Luque, I’ll be waiting for him in Vegas. If it so happens that way, I’ll be waiting. We’re going to have a fun fight. I respect him, It’s a tough fight. He has been in the UFC for a very long time, he has paid his dues. I am the new guy on the block but we are similar in age. But I believe I am just hungrier. I am probably the hungriest guy in the UFC right now. I may not be the best of them but when it comes to hungry pound-for-pound, I am the best. When we meet, it’s going to be war and I’m going to win.”
Gorimbo understands he is taking a calculated risk by doing this, but he is ready for whatever the outcome may be. The fighter is willing to replace any of the welterweight fighters, but he believes his chances of replacing Diaz are higher due to the fighter’s inactivity.
“This is a calculated risk,” Gorimbo said. “If I didn’t take a calculated risk, I’d be in Miami with my family, but I’m taking a calculated risk. The family time is going to come. Why I do this is for my family. I have to keep winning. I have to keep fighting for my family. But I don’t have an off button. I’m thinking about fighting whether I’m here or in Miami.
“I believe the 7th of December is my day and I had to make the switch quickly and come back and start preparing accordingly. I’ll be ready Dec. 7.”
Gorimbo is more confident about Diaz’s absence from the fight. He believes that stepping in and winning this fight will help his chances of getting a title shot in the long run.
“Coming up, I was a big fan of Nick Diaz,” Gorimbo said. “He and Anderson Silva were two of my favorite fighters. I used to like those guys, the way they fought when I was coming up, and what better way would it be that you work so hard that your idols become your rivals? It would be a perfect scenario for me.
“I know Nick Diaz’s moves, I’ve studied them over the years and I know the ‘Stockton Slap.’ I’ve got the village slap that I am practicing myself. If it so happens, why not. We’re going to have a slap competition and may the best man win.”
For the next couple of weeks, Gorimbo plans to push himself through rigorous exercises and training as he prepares for a chance to step in within 24 short notice.
“I think it’s going to happen, me and Luque,” Gorimbo said. “That’s how sure I am. I have a strong feeling about that. I’m going to win that fight. I don’t even have an afterthought. The thought I have is me showing up on Dec. 7. Whether they pull out one day before their fight or two days before the fight, it does not matter.
“Fight week I’m water loading, I’m cutting weight. I’m going to show up to the APEX and sit there and I’m going to make weight. I don’t need to be paid. All I want is to make sure that I raise my hand and I say yes to the opportunity.”
The welterweight fighter, with a pro record of 14-4, is considered an opponent to beat. He has his eyes set on this fight and believes an opportunity will arise for him to snatch it.
