Puja Tomar aims to revive Indian MMA momentum at UFC
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The 31-year-old fighter will be up against Irishwoman Shauna Bannon for her second UFC fight in London on Saturday
New Delhi: February proved to be particularly harsh for India’s mixed martial arts (MMA) scene. Two of the country’s most recognised fighters — Anshul Jubli and Ritu Phogat — both suffered tough losses at the UFC and ONE Championship respectively. Now, all eyes are on Puja Tomar, who carries the hopes of many as she steps into the octagon for her second UFC fight on Saturday.
Tomar already holds a place in history as the only Indian to win a bout in UFC but her journey has only just begun. As she prepares for her next challenge, the Muzaffarnagar native knows that another victory could be crucial in keeping India’s presence alive in the sport’s biggest promotion.
Despite her historic win on debut over Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos last June, life hasn’t changed drastically for Tomar. She still spends most of the year training in Bali, Indonesia, due to lack of elite training facilities in India. Under the guidance of striking coach Mike Ikelei at Soma Fight Club —he also trains Jubli — Tomar continues to sharpen her skills.
“After that win, I went about my life normally in India. People appreciated me, but what surprised me most was being recognized at airports and in Delhi,” Tomar shared in a conversation with HT, facilitated by broadcasters Sony Sports.
Her journey into combat sports was dramatic. A five-time Wushu champion, Tomar first fell in love with martial arts by watching Jackie Chan movies but her fighting spirit was forged in something far deeper — a desire to protect her mother and two sisters after her father’s death.
“My mother tells me, ‘I fought with the world for you, Pooja, but you showed it was all worth it,’” Tomar said. “Now, when I go home, she proudly tells people, ‘This is my daughter.’ I can see a different kind of happiness in her.”