Puja Tomar: India’s MMA Trailblazer
Puja Tomar has etched her name in history, becoming the first Indian woman to triumph in a UFC bout. Her victory over Brazil’s Rayanne Amanda dos Santos at UFC Louisville on June 8 is a monumental stride for Indian mixed martial arts, instilling a sense of pride and hope in the hearts of Indian athletes.
Breaking Barriers in UFC
Puja Tomar, at the age of 30, has shattered the glass ceiling for Indian women in the UFC. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination have paved the way for a new era of opportunities for Indian athletes in the realm of mixed martial arts. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, she clinched a hard-fought victory over dos Santos by split decision in a grueling three-round match, with the judges scoring 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28 in her favor.
A Historic Win
Post her historic win, Tomar’s words echoed with pride and determination to represent Indian fighters on the global stage. Her resolute declaration, ‘We are not losers. We are going all the way up! We are not going to stop! We’ll become a UFC champion soon!’ is a beacon of inspiration and hope for aspiring fighters.
Inspired by Family
In her post-fight remarks, Tomar dedicated her win to her mother, her unwavering supporter. She emphasized this in a news release via UFC.com, calling her mother her biggest inspiration.
Who is Puja Tomar?
Puja Tomar, a native of Budhana village, Muzaffarnagar, in Uttar Pradesh, embarked on her martial arts journey at the tender age of 12, following her father’s demise. Her initial foray into karate and kickboxing was driven by a deep-rooted desire to protect her family. Her martial arts career has been a testament to her resilience, seeing her rise to the ranks of a national Wushu champion and compete in prestigious leagues like Matrix Fight Night and One Championship.
Training and Preparation
Currently honing her skills at the esteemed Soma Fight Club in Bali, Indonesia, Puja Tomar, fondly known as ‘The Cyclone,’ earned her UFC contract in the previous year. Since then, she has left an indelible mark as one of India’s premier female fighters on the global stage. Her UFC profile reveals her affinity for the heel hook as her favorite grappling technique and the sidekick as her preferred striking technique.
A Role Model for Indian Girls
In her post-game interview with Sony Sports India, Tomar expressed immense pride in representing India. She shared how walking out with the Indian flag and anthem gave her deep pride and goosebumps. Her achievement marks a personal milestone and inspires young girls in India to pursue careers in mixed martial arts.
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The Path to UFC
Tomar’s journey to the UFC began over a decade ago, and she turned professional in 2013. Her success in the UFC serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring fighters in India, showcasing that with determination and support, anything is possible.
