Louisville, USA – In a landmark achievement for Indian mixed martial arts, 28-year-old Puja Tomar from Uttar Pradesh has become the first Indian fighter to secure a victory in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Tomar triumphed at UFC Louisville 2024 on Sunday, winning a hard-fought bout against Brazil's Rayanne Amanda dos Santos via a split decision. The judges' scores were 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28, reflecting the intense competition in the octagon.
Expressing her pride and dedication to her home country, Tomar said in a post-fight interview, "This win is not just my win. It's for all Indian fans and all Indian fighters. I had to win to show the world that Indian fighters are formidable." Her victory is not only a personal milestone but also a significant boost for the growing MMA community in India.
Tomar’s debut in the UFC was nothing short of spectacular. She faced dos Santos in a strawweight bout that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Despite dos Santos’ height and reach advantage, Tomar demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity, landing significant strikes and effectively countering her opponent’s moves. The match, which was a seesaw battle of determination and strategy, ended in a close split decision in Tomar's favor.
Born in the village of Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district, Puja Tomar's journey to the top has been one of resilience and dedication. Before making her mark in the UFC, Tomar was a national Wushu champion and had competed in various fighting leagues such as Matrix Fight Night (MFN) and One Championship. After experiencing several setbacks in One Championship, she moved to MFN in 2021, where she quickly made a name for herself with four consecutive victories. Her last notable win was against Russia’s Anastasia Feofanova in July, where she defended her title.
Tomar trains at the Soma Fight Club in Bali, Indonesia, which is renowned for producing top-tier fighters. She trains alongside fellow UFC fighter Anshul Jubli and other elite athletes. Known affectionately as ‘Cyclone’ in the MMA community, Tomar has earned a reputation as one of India’s top female fighters, showcasing incredible agility, power, and strategic acumen in her bouts.
Her victory in the UFC has garnered widespread attention and celebration in India. Fans and fellow fighters have taken to social media to congratulate Tomar on her historic win. This achievement is seen as a significant step forward for Indian MMA, inspiring a new generation of fighters to pursue their dreams on the global stage.
Tomar’s success story underscores the potential of Indian athletes in international sports arenas. Her victory not only enhances her standing as a top athlete but also brings hope and inspiration to aspiring fighters across India. As Tomar continues her journey in the UFC, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of countless fans and fighters from her homeland, determined to make her mark and pave the way for others in the world of mixed martial arts.