Themba Gorimbo Grateful Vicente Luque Took Nick Diaz Replacement When He Gains ‘Nothing’
Gorimbo Steps Up to Replace Diaz, Seals Victory Over Means
Themba Gorimbo has expressed his gratitude to Vicente Luque for stepping in as his opponent on short notice following the withdrawal of Nick Diaz.
Gorimbo was originally scheduled to face Diaz at UFC 266 on July 10th, but Diaz withdrew from the bout due to medical reasons. Luque, who was initially set to face Muslim Salikhov at UFC Fight Night 190 on July 17th, agreed to replace Diaz on just a week’s notice.
Gorimbo praised Luque’s professionalism and willingness to take on a tough opponent on such short notice. “I’m so grateful to Vicente for taking this fight,” Gorimbo said. “He’s a top-ranked welterweight, and he didn’t have to take this fight. But he did, and I’m so thankful for that.”
Gorimbo made the most of his opportunity by defeating Means via unanimous decision. The victory was Gorimbo’s second in the UFC, and it moved him to 11-3 in his professional career.
Luque, meanwhile, is now 20-7-1 in his career. He bounced back from a decision loss to Belal Muhammad in his previous outing to earn a hard-fought victory over Means.
Gorimbo’s Gratitude for Luque’s Sportsmanship
In the lead-up to the fight, Gorimbo was understandably disappointed that Diaz had withdrawn. However, he was also quick to commend Luque for stepping up to the plate.
“I was disappointed when Nick pulled out,” Gorimbo said. “But I understand that these things happen. I’m just grateful that Vicente was willing to take the fight.”
Luque, for his part, said that he was happy to help out Gorimbo. “I know what it’s like to be in his position,” Luque said. “I’ve had fights fall through before. It’s a tough feeling. I’m just glad that I could help him out.”
Gorimbo’s victory over Means was a significant one for his career. It moved him into the top 15 of the UFC’s welterweight rankings, and it set him up for a potential title shot in the future.
Luque’s Selflessness Benefits Both Fighters
Luque’s decision to take on Gorimbo on short notice was a selfless one. He had nothing to gain from the fight, and he risked losing his own ranking if he had lost.
However, Luque was willing to put his own interests aside to help Gorimbo. His act of sportsmanship was a reminder that there is still camaraderie in the world of mixed martial arts.
Gorimbo is now hoping to use the momentum from his victory over Means to climb the UFC’s welterweight rankings. He is confident that he can eventually become a contender for the title.
“I know I have a long way to go,” Gorimbo said. “But I’m confident in my abilities. I’m going to keep working hard, and I’m going to keep getting better.”
Conclusion: Fighters’ Readiness to Help Each Other
The willingness of both Themba Gorimbo and Vicente Luque to step up and help each other out on short notice is a testament to the spirit of mixed martial arts. Both fighters were willing to put their own interests aside to help their opponent, and it resulted in a memorable and exciting fight.
Gorimbo’s victory over Means is a major step forward in his career, and he is now on the verge of becoming a contender for the UFC welterweight title. Luque, meanwhile, showed that he is a true sportsman by stepping up to help Gorimbo on short notice. Both fighters deserve credit for their actions, and they are both role models for the next generation of mixed martial artists.
