Dwayne Johnson buys house for UFC fighter who was sleeping on a gym couch

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By Asiya Ali

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has surprised a UFC fighter who was sleeping on a gym couch with the ultimate gift.

On July 27, the 51-year-old former WWE wrestler shared a touching video of him surprising Themba Gorimbo, a 32-year-old UFC welterweight fighter who was struggling to buy a house for his family.

In the heartwarming clip, Johnson can be seen quietly entering the gym while the UFC fighter was in the middle of a sit-down interview. He then stood behind him and waited for Gorimbo to notice his presence.

"It’s crazy what can happen when you are able to tell your story, who you can touch, and who you can inspire," Gorimbo said, before turning around and embracing Johnson when he realized he was behind him.

Watch the moment below:

The budding UFC fighter's inspiring story was first brought to the Hollywood star's attention on Twitter in June when ESPN shared a story about how Gorimbo only had $7.49 in his bank account.

The fighter sold his gear and used most of his UFC earnings to transfer money home to his village in Zimbabwe, where he helped buy a well so the local community had safe drinking water.

The story touched the Jumanji star, who has been open about the financial struggles he faced early in his professional wrestling career such as he was living out of a car with just $7 to his name before becoming one of the biggest stars in the sports entertainment business.

"This is f'n crazy to see and brings back many emotions and memories," Johnson tweeted in response to reading Gorimbo’s story. "$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account. I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind. Got your back, brother. I’ll help."

The Fast X actor stuck to his word by surprising Gorimbo with his very own property. He first took him to "a friend’s house," and when they toured the place, the fighter noticed there were several pictures of him and his family.

Then the Moana actor handed over house keys and said "Welcome home," leaving Gorimbo stunned and emotional. He kept hugging The Rock and expressing his gratitude to him over and over.

"I was so moved by your story and when I found out you were sleeping on the couch in the gym; there's no more couch sleeping. This is your house," Johnson told him. "Welcome home. Now you can bring your kids here."

Johnson then told him that house is all his, and that he doesn't "have to think about anything," adding: "The only thing you think about is your family, getting them over here, getting them with you, your training and becoming champion."

Gorimbo responded by promising Johnson that he will become a champion, and will use the money he was saving up for a house to build another well in Zimbabwe.

According to PEOPLE, the actor will lease the home and pay for all expenses for as long as Gorimbo wants to live there.

Featured image credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty