Puja ‘The Cyclone’ Tomar Becomes First Fighter From India to Win in the UFC!
Indian women had yet to make their mark in the UFC until 30-year-old MMA fighter Puja Tomar, who signed with First Round Management, took the Ultimate Fighting Championship by storm on Saturday, June 8. Her groundbreaking performance has opened new pathways for Indian fighters, showcasing options that were previously deemed unviable.
Puja Tomar now stands proudly on the global mixed martial arts platform, making history as the first Indian female fighter to sign with the UFC and the first Indian to secure a victory in the UFC.
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Tomar scripted a historic moment by defeating Brazil’s Rayanne Amanda dos Santos via split decision at UFC Louisville. The intense three-round bout saw both fighters fiercely competing, but Tomar maintained the upper hand, ultimately winning with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28.
After her historic win, Tomar expressed her determination, saying, “I want to show the world that Indian fighters are not losers. We are going all the way up! We are not going to stop! We’ll become a UFC champion soon!”
Who is Puja Tomar?
Puja Tomar, the UFC debutante who clinched a split decision victory at UFC Louisville, was born in Budhana village, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. A former national Wushu champion, Tomar has also competed in other major leagues, including Matrix Fight Night and One Championship.
Her inspiring journey and relentless spirit are paving the way for future generations of Indian fighters in the global arena of mixed martial arts.
Tomar secured her UFC contract last year and trains at the prestigious Soma Fight Club in Bali, Indonesia. Nicknamed “The Cyclone,” the Muzaffarnagar native achieved her monumental victory over a decade after the UFC officially opened its doors to women fighters in 2013.
