Sports
Puja Tomar Sees Rising Female Participation in Indian MMA, Calls for Better Grassroots Support
Puja Tomar, the first Indian woman to win a fight in the UFC, said she has witnessed a surge in girls taking up mixed‑martial arts in India, along with growing public interest in the sport. The 32‑year‑old, who made her UFC debut in June 2024 by defeating Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos, believes the increased attention should translate into more opportunities for aspiring fighters.
Speaking to TimesofIndia.com, Tomar noted that MMA was once little known in India but is now a trend that attracts many participants. She added that women who were previously unsure about the sport are now stepping forward and performing well.
Tomar highlighted gaps that still exist in Indian MMA, particularly at the grassroots level. She said Indian fighters need international coaches, proper conditioning, nutrition plans and guidance on weight cuts. She believes expanding the number of academies and gyms staffed by experienced coaches and fighters would help produce future UFC champions.
The former champion plans to open an MMA academy that will train both men and women, with a special focus on creating a comfortable environment for girls. She wants the academy to provide the missing support she felt was lacking during her own journey, including coaching on wrestling and jiu‑jitsu.
Tomar has proposed that the UFC help build this infrastructure by opening an academy where Indian fighters could train alongside UFC athletes. She said such a partnership would give Indian fighters access to the resources they need from the grassroots level.
After her historic debut, Tomar suffered two defeats – a second‑round submission loss to Ireland’s Shauna Bannon in March 2025 and a first‑round submission loss to China’s Shi Ming in May 2026. A family issue, including her mother’s month‑long hospitalization, forced her to pause training after the second loss. She is now preparing to return to the gym and work on her ground game.
Tomar remains motivated, saying she will use the lessons from her losses to improve. She recalled her first victory as a historic moment and expressed a desire to win future fights and become a champion.
She also mentioned Indian female fighters who could follow her path, citing Asha Roka, a karate‑background striker she has encouraged to pursue a UFC contract. Tomar is eager to meet Brazilian UFC legend Carlos Prates during the UFC India Tour, hoping he can inspire and support Indian athletes.
Tomar’s immediate goal is to get back into training and prepare for her next UFC bout, viewing her defeats as motivation rather than an end to her career.
Frequently asked questions
When did Puja Tomar make her UFC debut?
She made her UFC debut in June 2024.
Who did Puja Tomar defeat in her UFC debut?
She defeated Brazil’s Rayanne dos Santos.
What gaps in Indian MMA does Puja Tomar highlight?
She highlighted gaps at the grassroots level, including the need for international coaches, proper conditioning, nutrition plans, guidance on weight cuts, and more academies and gyms staffed by experienced coaches and fighters.