Puja Tomar's Historic UFC Debut Victory

A Historic Day for India – June 8, 2024

On June 8, 2024, Puja Tomar, a 30-year-old fighter from Budhana village, Uttar Pradesh, made history. She became the first Indian woman to compete and win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

She defeated Rayanne Amanda dos Santos from Brazil in a three-round strawweight bout at UFC Louisville. The fight ended in a split decision:

• 30–27

• 27–30

• 29–28

Her win was not just a personal victory, but a huge moment for Indian women in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).

Puja Tomar’s Journey to the UFC

Early Life and Challenges

• Puja faced many hardships growing up. She lost her father at a young age.

• To protect her family, she started learning karate and kickboxing when she was just 12 years old.

Champion in Wushu and Other Sports

• She went on to become a five-time national Wushu champion.

• She also won many medals in karate and taekwondo.

• Her dedication and talent helped her rise through the ranks in combat sports.

Fighting in Other Promotions

Before joining UFC, she competed in events like:

• Matrix Fight Night

• ONE Championship

She even became a two-time strawweight champion outside the UFC.

In October 2023, she became the third Indian fighter and first Indian woman to sign with the UFC.

Breaking Barriers for Indian Women in MMA

• Puja Tomar’s win has become a source of hope for many young Indian women who dream of fighting in MMA.

• She showed that Indian fighters can succeed on the world stage.

Her Inspiring Message

In her post-fight interview, Puja said:

“I want to show the world that Indian fighters are not losers. We are going all the way up! We are not going to stop! We'll become a UFC champion soon!”

Support from Her Mother

Puja often speaks about the support of her mother, who gave her strength and motivation. Her mother’s advice –

“Puja, just fight.”
– became her driving force.

A Role Model for the Next Generation

As Puja continues her UFC journey, she has become a symbol of strength, hope, and inspiration for Indian women. Her success proves that with hard work and passion, anything is possible.

She’s not just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for every girl in India who dreams of stepping into the ring.

Final Thoughts

Puja Tomar’s groundbreaking UFC win is more than just a personal achievement — it’s a defining moment for Indian sports and women in combat sports. Her journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to the global MMA stage showcases the power of dedication, resilience, and breaking societal barriers.

As the first Indian woman to win in the UFC, she has paved the way for future generations of Indian fighters, inspiring countless young athletes to dream big and fight hard.