Puja Tomar Makes History as First Indian to Win a UFC Bout 2024

Puja Tomar: In a landmark moment for Indian mixed martial arts, Puja Tomar has become the first Indian fighter to win a bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The historic victory came in UFC Louisville, where Tomar, competing in the straw-weight (52kg) category, defeated Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos via a split decision with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28.

Puja Tomar Becomes First Indian to Win a UFC Bout with Victory in UFC Louisville

Expressing her elation post-match, Tomar dedicated her win to Indian fans and fighters. “This win is not my win. This win is for all Indian fans and all Indian fighters. Before, everyone thought that Indian fighters did not stand anywhere. I only thought I have to win and show the world that Indian fighters are not losers,” she told Sony Sport Network.

Known as the “Cyclone,” the 30-year-old Tomar signed her UFC contract in October of last year, becoming the first Indian woman to compete in the world’s premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion. While she follows in the footsteps of Anshul Jubli and Bharat Kandare, and Canada-based Arjan Singh Bhullar, her victory marks a new milestone for Indian athletes in the sport.

Tomar’s journey to the UFC is as inspiring as it is challenging. Born in Budhana village of Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, she is a five-time national wushu champion and has a background in karate and taekwondo. Reflecting on her path, Tomar shared, “I feel great, I had come from home thinking that I will win. I have worked hard that’s why I am here and the crowd is cheering me. I was very strong and motivated so that’s why I won.”

Despite the win, Tomar acknowledges areas for improvement. “I was confident of winning, I attacked a lot. But I wasn’t able to give my 100 per cent. I felt pressured in the second round. I need to improve on a lot of skills like takedowns.”

Tomar’s success is also a personal triumph, particularly for her mother. “My MMA journey was not easy, this win is for my mother, she has fought with the world for me. So this win is for her,” she added.

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Tomar has previously showcased her talent in other competitions, including Matrix Fight Night, where she claimed the straw-weight title twice. Her accomplishment in the UFC represents a significant breakthrough for Indian MMA, signalling a bright future for the sport in the country.

MMA is a full-contact combat sport combining techniques from various combat disciplines worldwide, and the UFC remains its most prestigious platform. With Puja Tomar‘s historic victory, Indian fighters have firmly marked their presence on this global stage.