Here's all about Puja Tomar, India's first MMA fighter to win a bout in UFC
Puja Tomar, 28, made history as the first Indian to win a bout at the UFC, defeating Rayanne Amanda dos Santos by split decision at UFC Louisville 2024 with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28.
In a landmark achievement for Indian mixed martial arts, Puja Tomar, 28, made history by becoming the first-ever Indian to win a bout at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Competing in UFC Louisville 2024 on Sunday, Tomar emerged victorious by a split decision with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28, defeating Rayanne Amanda dos Santos.
I had goosebumps: Puja Tomar
Reflecting on her victory, Tomar expressed her elation in a video message: "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! This win is not my win, it's for all Indian fans and all Indian fighters. I walked out to my Indian song with the Indian flag, and I felt so proud. I had goosebumps."
I spoke to Puja Tomar after she became the first Indian to win in the UFC! ??#UFCLouisville | @SonySportsNetwk pic.twitter.com/doJBpis7AY
¡ª Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) June 8, 2024
In another clip, Tomar is seen tearfully accepting her victory, marking an emotional moment in her career.
DEBUT DUBS ?
¡ª UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2024
Puja Tomar takes the split decision at #UFCLouisville ?? pic.twitter.com/IMYkYlcDKj
Who is Puja Tomar?
Puja Tomar hails from Budhana village in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar. Her journey in combat sports began with Wushu, where she secured five national titles. Transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2012, she initially competed in the Super Fight League.
Tomar's career has seen her participate in various championships, including Matrix Fight Night and One Championship. Despite facing setbacks with four consecutive losses at One Championship, she joined Matrix Fight Night in 2021, where she made a strong comeback by winning four bouts. Her last notable victory was against Russia's Anastasia Feofanova in July, where she successfully defended her title.
UFC
In 2023, Tomar achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to sign a contract with the UFC, the premier Mixed Martial Arts organization globally.
Nicknamed 'The Cyclone,' Tomar trains at the Soma Fight Club. Her journey from a small village to the global stage of UFC exemplifies her dedication and resilience.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
We keep you updated with the latest happenings from India and across the globe. Whether it's something quirky, emotional, inspiring, or informative ¨C we've got you covered.
