Puja Tomar made history by becoming the first Indian mixed martial arts fighter to win a bout at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in UFC Louisville. The debutant Tomar secured a split-decision victory over Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos in the straw-weight (52kg) bout, with judges scoring it 30-27, 27-30, 29-28 in her favor.
In a post-fight interview with Sony Sport Network, Tomar dedicated her win to all Indian fans and fighters, aiming to showcase the talent and determination of Indian athletes on the global stage. Nicknamed “cyclone”, the 30-year-old fighter signed with the UFC last year, marking a significant milestone for Indian representation in the sport.
Hailing from Budhana village in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, Tomar boasts an impressive background as a five-time national wushu champion, with expertise in karate and taekwondo as well. Despite feeling some pressure during the bout, Tomar’s perseverance and hard work paid off, leading her to victory and earning the admiration of the crowd.
Reflecting on her journey in MMA, Tomar expressed gratitude towards her mother for her unwavering support and strength, highlighting the challenges she has overcome to reach this milestone. She has also excelled in other tournaments such as Matrix Fight Night, clinching the straw-weight title twice.
MMA, a dynamic combat sport emphasizing striking, grappling, and ground fighting, draws techniques from various martial arts disciplines worldwide. The Ultimate Fighting Championship, a prominent American MMA promotion company, provides a platform for athletes like Tomar to showcase their skills and represent their countries on a global scale.
