Uttar Pradesh’s Puja Tomar has etched her name in history as the first female Indian athlete to win a UFC fight. Tomar achieved this milestone by defeating Ryan Amanda dos Santos, marking a significant moment in Indian mixed martial arts.
Making her debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship on Sunday, Puja Tomar triumphed over Ryan Amanda dos Santos with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28. Following her victory, Tomar expressed her joy and shared her experience with fans.
Known as ‘Cyclone’
Nicknamed ‘Cyclone’, Puja Tomar is hailed as one of the finest female fighters in the Indian MMA circuit. After her win, the 28-year-old said, “This victory is not just mine. It belongs to all Indian fans and fighters. Many believed that Indian fighters couldn’t make it on the global stage. I was determined to win and show the world that Indian fighters can succeed.”
Who is Pooja Tomar?
Born in Budhana village in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Pooja Tomar became the first Indian woman to sign a contract with the UFC last year. A former national wushu champion, Tomar has also competed in various championships, including Matrix Fight Night and One Championship. After enduring four consecutive losses, she left ONE Championship and joined Matrix Fight Night in 2021. There, she won four bouts, including her last title defence against Russia’s Anastasia Feofanova in July. Pooja trains at Soma Fight Club in Bali, Indonesia.
Puja Tomar’s groundbreaking achievement elevates her career and inspires Indian fighters, proving that they can compete and succeed on the global stage.
