Puja Tomar scripts history, becomes first Indian woman to win in UFC

Digital Desk: Puja Tomar made history as the first Indian to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), defeating Brazil's Rayanne dos Santos at UFC Louisville 2024. Hailing from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Puja had already broken new ground last year by becoming the first Indian woman to secure a UFC contract. In her debut fight in the women's strawweight division, she triumphed by split decision with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28.

The match was a closely contested bout where both fighters showcased their strengths. Puja dominated the first round with powerful body kicks that landed cleanly on dos Santos. The Indian fighter had dos Santos rethinking her strategy, as the initial round put her on the back foot.

The second round saw dos Santos taking the upper hand, constantly advancing and forcing Puja to counter while moving backward. The Brazilian adapted to Puja's tactics, incorporating more kicks into her approach. This round was highly competitive, with both women exchanging kicks and punches.

The final round was intense and evenly matched, but Puja's decisive push kick knockdown secured her the victory. It was this critical moment that swayed the judges in her favor, cementing her place in UFC history.

Speaking after her win, Puja dedicated the moment to Indian fighters and MMA fans. Known as 'Cyclone,' she emphasized that her victory symbolized a breakthrough for Indian athletes in the UFC. “Before my win, everyone thought Indian fighters didn't have the right to be on a stage like the UFC. 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,” said Puja.

Puja expressed her pride in representing India, stating, “I walked out to my Indian song with the Indian flag, and I felt so proud. I had goosebumps. Inside the Octagon, there was no pressure, I just thought, 'I have to win.' I took two or three punches, but I'm OK. I'm going to improve myself and I'm going all the way up.”

Puja follows in the footsteps of Bharat Kandare and Anshul Jubli, who both fought in the UFC but did not win their debut matches. Her victory marks a significant milestone for Indian MMA and sets a promising path for future fighters from the region.