Puja Tomar, a 30-year-old MMA fighter from India, made history by winning her first UFC bout, becoming the first Indian woman to compete in and win at this level.
Known as “Cyclone,” Tomar signed with UFC in October last year and competed in the straw-weight (52kg) category at UFC Louisville. She secured a split-decision victory over Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos with scores of 30-27, 27-30, 29-28.
After her victory, Tomar expressed her pride and motivation. “This win is not just for me but for all Indian fans and fighters,” she shared with the Sony Sports Network, highlighting the changing perceptions of Indian fighters globally.
Her rigorous martial arts background has supported Tomar’s journey to UFC success. Originating from Budhana village in Uttar Pradesh, she is a five-time national wushu champion with extensive training in karate and taekwondo.
Reflecting on the match, Tomar acknowledged the pressure but remained confident in her abilities. “I attacked a lot, though I couldn’t give my 100 per cent. There’s still a lot I need to improve,” she noted, emphasizing the need for better takedown skills.
Dedicated to her mother, who she credits with fighting against the world for her, Tomar’s victory at UFC Louisville marks a significant milestone in her MMA career, including winning the straw-weight title twice at Matrix Fight Night.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a premier global MMA organization in the United States. It is known for featuring various fighting styles worldwide in full-contact combat.
