In a bombshell interview, former UFC welterweight title challenger Themba Gorimbo has opened up about his bitter fallout with one-time teammate Colby Covington. The pair, who once shared a close bond, have since become bitter rivals.

Broken Bonds: The Seeds of Discord

According to Gorimbo, the rift between him and Covington began during their time at the American Top Team gym in Florida. He alleges that Covington grew increasingly arrogant and disrespectful towards teammates and coaches alike. Gorimbo claims that he confronted Covington about his behavior on several occasions, but the situation only worsened.

The Tipping Point: Covington’s Attacks

The tipping point came in 2019 when Covington made public statements accusing Gorimbo of being a “fake African” and a “coward.” Gorimbo was deeply hurt by the attacks and felt that Covington had crossed a line.

“He was saying things that were not true, and I couldn’t believe he would stoop so low. It felt like a betrayal of everything we had shared,” Gorimbo said.

The Court Battle: Legal Ramifications

In response to Covington’s accusations, Gorimbo filed a defamation lawsuit against his former teammate. The case went to court, but the judge ultimately ruled in Covington’s favor, citing his right to free speech. Gorimbo was devastated by the outcome.

“It was like the system had failed me. I felt like my reputation had been tarnished, and there was nothing I could do about it,” he said.

The Aftermath: A Bitter Rivalry

The fallout between Gorimbo and Covington has had a lasting impact on both fighters. Gorimbo left American Top Team and has since joined a different gym, while Covington has continued to rise up the UFC ranks. However, the animosity between them remains.

Gorimbo’s Perspective: Disappointment and Hurt

Gorimbo expressed his disappointment in Covington’s behavior. He believes that his former teammate has allowed his ego to get the better of him.

“He’s become a person I no longer recognize,” Gorimbo said. “He’s not the man I thought he was.”

Covington’s Perspective: No Regrets

In contrast, Covington has maintained that he has no regrets about his actions. He claims that Gorimbo is simply trying to “play the victim” and that he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.

“He can say whatever he wants, but he knows the truth,” Covington said. “I’m not going to apologize for being me.”

Conclusion: A Rivalry for the Ages

The rift between Themba Gorimbo and Colby Covington is one of the most bitter in recent MMA history. The former teammates have exchanged verbal barbs, filed lawsuits, and made accusations that have tarnished their reputations. It remains to be seen if the two fighters will ever be able to reconcile their differences.

In the meantime, the UFC community will continue to watch their rivalry with fascination. The Gorimbo vs. Covington feud is a tale of broken bonds, shattered dreams, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their egos.