Good Sports: Tomar Makes History at UFC
Puja Tomar, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Uttar Pradesh, made history recently when she became the first Indian to win an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bout.
Making her debut at UFC Louisville 2024, Tomar scored a split decision over Rayanne Amanda dos Santos in the strawweight division (106 to 115 lbs). Several other fighters of Indian origin have been featured in UFC bouts, but Tomar is the first woman and first victor. Known as “The Cyclone,” she has a 9-4 professional MMA record and signed her contract with UFC, the world’s premier MMC promotion, last October.
“I want to show the world that Indian fighters are not losers,” Tomar said, following her victory. “This win is not my win, it’s for all Indian fans and all Indian fighters. I walked out to my Indian song with the Indian flag, and I felt so proud. I had goosebumps.”
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Compiled and partly written by Indian humorist MELVIN DURAI, author of the novel Bala Takes the Plunge.
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