Puja Tomar of India has created a historic moment by becoming the first Indian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter to secure a victory at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Tomar accomplished this feat at UFC Louisville, where she earned a split-decision win against Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos in the strawweight (52kg) category on Saturday.
Debutant Tomar’s bout ended with a score of 30-27, 27-30, 29-28 in her favor. Following her landmark victory, Tomar expressed her gratitude and pride.
“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.
DEBUT DUBS 🙌
Puja Tomar takes the split decision at #UFCLouisville 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/IMYkYlcDKj
— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2024
The 30-year-old fighter, nicknamed “Cyclone,” inked her deal with the UFC in October last year, marking her as the inaugural female Indian athlete to participate in the esteemed MMA organization. Notable Indian fighters such as Anshul Jubli, Bharat Kandare, and Canada-based Arjan Singh Bhullar have also represented India in the UFC arena.
Reflecting on her victory, Tomar said, “I feel great. I came from home thinking that I would win. I have worked really hard; that’s why I am here, and the crowd is cheering for me. I was very strong and motivated, so that’s why I won.”
Puja Tomar is looking to make history in her UFC Debut! 🇮🇳#UFCLouisville pic.twitter.com/mpjPTmHvFn
— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2024
Born in Budhana village of Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, Tomar is a five-time national wushu champion and also has a background in karate and taekwondo. Despite her confidence, she acknowledged areas for improvement. “I was confident of winning, I attacked a lot. But I wasn’t able to give my 100 percent. I felt pressured in the second round. I need to improve on a lot of skills like takedowns.”
Tomar attributed her win to her mother, acknowledging her unwavering support during challenging times. She stated, “My journey in MMA wasn’t easy. This victory is dedicated to my mother, who has stood by me against all odds.
So, this win is for her.” Alongside her UFC debut, Tomar has participated in various tournaments, including the Matrix Fight Night, where she clinched the straw-weight title twice. MMA is a full-contact combat sport that integrates techniques from diverse combat disciplines such as striking, grappling, and ground fighting.
The UFC, a leading American mixed martial arts promotion company, is renowned for showcasing top-tier fighters worldwide. Tomar’s triumph represents a notable milestone for Indian MMA, paving the way for more fighters from the country to leave their mark on the global stage.