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The Puja Tomar UFC debut on March 21, 2025, carved history at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. She became the first Indian to win a UFC fight, defeating Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos by split decision.
The 29-year-old from Uttar Pradesh showcased grit and skill in a three-round brawl. Her victory ended with scores of 29-28, 28-29, and 30-27, tilting in her favor. Fans erupted as the referee raised her hand.
Known as The Cyclone, Tomar landed sharp strikes and controlled the cage. This win wasn’t just personal. It opened doors for Indian MMA on the global stage. Years of training in Muay Thai and Wushu paid off. Her journey from a small village to the UFC octagon inspired millions.
Tomar stepped into the fight as an underdog. Santos, a seasoned striker, had the edge in experience. The first round saw both fighters trading blows. Tomar’s speed caught eyes early. She dodged a flurry and fired back with precision.
Her corner pushed her to stay aggressive. The second round turned brutal. Santos rocked Tomar with a knee. But the Indian bounced back, landing a takedown. She dominated on the ground, wearing Santos down. The final round sealed it.
Tomar’s jab snapped Santos’ head back repeatedly. The Brazilian faded, and Tomar surged. The crowd felt the intensity. This wasn’t just a debut. It was a statement.
Puja Tomar UFC Milestone Sparks National Pride
The Puja Tomar UFC win lit up India’s MMA scene. She fought in the strawweight division, a tough weight class. Her striking roots shone through. She trained under coach Siddhant Sharma at Soma Fight Club. Years of grinding in local circuits built her toughness.
Tomar had racked up a 6-1 record before this. The UFC call-up came after her ONE Championship stint. She didn’t disappoint. Santos threw heavy punches, but Tomar’s footwork kept her safe.
A late flurry in round three swayed the judges. Post-fight, she dedicated the win to her late father. Tears welled up as she spoke. India’s tricolor waved high in Vegas.
This fight wasn’t easy. Santos had power and reach. Tomar relied on speed and heart. She absorbed early punishment. Her resilience stood out. The takedown in round two shifted momentum. She controlled Santos for nearly two minutes.
Ground-and-pound followed. The Las Vegas crowd cheered her on. Commentators praised her composure. She didn’t rush or panic. Every move was calculated. The split decision sparked debate online. Some argued Santos landed more.
But Tomar’s damage and control won over two judges. Her name trended across social media. Indian fans called her a trailblazer.
Puja Tomar UFC Journey Inspires Next Generation
The Puja Tomar UFC saga doesn’t end here. She’s already eyeing her next fight. The win bumped her record to 7-1. She’s ranked among the top 15 strawweights now. Tomar wants a bigger challenge. Her coach believes she can crack the top 10.
Training camps in Delhi and Thailand shaped her. She thanked her team in the post-fight presser. The UFC brass took notice. Dana White tweeted about her debut. India’s MMA community buzzed with pride.
Kids in her village now dream of the octagon. She’s proof hard work beats odds.
Santos graciously congratulated Tomar. The Brazilian promised a comeback. Their fight could spark a rivalry. For now, Tomar basks in glory. She’s the first, but not the last, Indian UFC winner.
Her story resonates beyond sports. From poverty to the spotlight, she fought every step. Critics once doubted her size. She’s 5-foot-1, small for the division. But heart trumped height. The win aired live on ESPN.
Clips went viral by morning. Brands are already lining up. Tomar’s focus stays on fighting. She aims for a title shot someday. This victory is just the start. India’s MMA revolution has begun.
