Colby Covington’s former teammates – Themba Gorimbo opens up about both falling out due to a behavior “crossed the lines”
Themba Gorimbo, once a vocal supporter of Colby Covington, has revealed a deep rift with his former teammate. What started as camaraderie at their Florida gym turned into animosity, leading Gorimbo to part ways and join Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Here’s a look into the events that fractured their relationship and Gorimbo’s plans for the future.
A Friendship Soured: From Allies to Adversaries
Initially, Themba Gorimbo defended Colby Covington against the backlash he often faces for his brash persona. Gorimbo admired Covington for his generosity, especially during a period when the Zimbabwean fighter struggled financially. However, this goodwill took a dramatic turn last year during an incident that Gorimbo says “crossed the line.”
The tension reached its peak at the UFC Performance Institute (P.I.) in December 2023. Gorimbo claims Covington, while cutting weight for his fight against Leon Edwards, forced him to leave the treadmill area.
“The PI is for everybody,” Gorimbo explained. “But he acted like it belonged to him. I was also cutting weight and just trying to train. Instead of approaching me directly, he sent someone to kick me out. That was the breaking point.”
Parting Ways: A Clash of Morals
Gorimbo’s moral compass couldn’t align with what he described as Covington’s sense of entitlement. The incident wasn’t isolated; it symbolized deeper differences that ultimately led Gorimbo to leave MMA Masters for Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.
“My morals and his morals just didn’t match,” Gorimbo shared. “That incident at the P.I. made it clear we couldn’t train together anymore.”
The fallout wasn’t limited to training schedules or gym territory. Gorimbo also mentioned a particularly intense sparring session with Covington that left one of them bleeding. While he didn’t specify who, the sparring session seems to have solidified their rivalry.
Setting Sights on a Future Showdown
Gorimbo’s focus remains on climbing the welterweight rankings, but he’s not ruling out a future fight against Covington.
“On my way to the belt, I want to walk through him,” Gorimbo declared. “I know he’s not next, but I’m putting targets on the guys I want. He’s definitely one of them.”
The once-close relationship between the fighters has shifted dramatically, with Gorimbo openly challenging Covington’s behavior and values. Despite the bitterness, Gorimbo is motivated to prove his worth in the octagon, using their history as fuel for his ambitions.
A Rivalry in the Making
The falling out between Themba Gorimbo and Colby Covington highlights the personal dynamics that can play out behind the scenes in the fight world. What began as mutual respect and support has devolved into an unresolved feud, with Gorimbo vowing to settle the score in the cage.
As Gorimbo continues his rise in the welterweight division, the prospect of a future clash with Covington looms large. For now, the Zimbabwean fighter is channeling his energy into building a name for himself while keeping an eye on those who, in his words, have “crossed the line.”
