LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 18: (LR) Themba Golimbo of Zimbabwe takes on Ramiz Brahimaj in a welterweight bout at the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on May 18, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. . (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Themba Golimbo faced Ramiz Brahimaj in a featured bout at UFC Vegas 92.
Themba gained more popularity than usual for a fighter with a 2-1 record in the UFC when Dwayne The Rock Johnson was inspired by Themba’s story and gave him a home and supplies. Golimbo came to Miami from Uganda to pursue his dreams in mixed martial arts. Even though he barely survives on his salary, he still sends money back to his hometown to help build a well for clean water in the village.
But Ramiz Brahimaj wasn’t about to give up just because the story was so moving. The Fortis MMA product is a grappling specialist who has won all of his bouts by submission, and he looked to take advantage of Grimbo’s inexperience in the grappling realm this time around.
Ramiz landed a takedown in the first minute, but was easily stuffed. Themba clinched, but Ramiz attempted a throw, only to succeed in bringing his opponent down on top of him. Ramiz wallwalked from full guard to his feet with his back against the fence. Ramiz used his grappling experience to stay on the outside of the clinch, but Golimbo’s strength mostly dominated. Brahimaj again played a sacrifice pitch which put him on top again. Oddly enough, Themba did not leave the clinch when Ramiz wall-walked again, even though he appeared to have a significant advantage. Brahimaj’s desperation for the takedown showed his fear of Themba’s blows, but Golimbo was unable to capitalize on stopping the takedown, with little damage done during the round and a clinch knee. It happened only a few times.
Themba started the second round with some brutal leg kicks, but Brahimajji stepped forward and grappled to close him out. Ramiz continued to attempt multiple takedowns, but Golimbo did not put in enough effort to get his opponent to attack. Ramiz finally got a takedown with two minutes left in the round and got behind Themba, but Golimbo knocked him over from the top. The Ugandan got a takedown of his own in the final 30 seconds.
After two slow rounds, Themba appeared to have a lead over everyone in the second round. Ramiz began to show fatigue at the end of the second round, but Golimbo clinched him again at the beginning of the round. The entire rest of the fight took place in the clinch, continuing themes from other rounds.
Themba ultimately won by an easy decision, but he looked in stark contrast to the aggressive striker he had been in previous fights. He had clearly stepped up his wrestling heading into this match, and maybe he wanted to put it to the test and prove he could beat the grappler.
Official result: Themba Golimbo def. Ramiz Brahimaj unanimously (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
